Art and Design - Introduction

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Art and Design is a popular and successful subject in the school, with a good uptake at GCSE, AS and A Levels. We are very fortunate to have a brand new Art room in the new building, and a suite of Apple imac computers with the latest software. Drawing and painting is always central, but students have the opportunity to work through using textiles, sculpture, graphics, printing, photography and IT.

Work in Years 7-9 builds up students’ skills and understanding, and the sketchbook is used regularly to draw, build up ideas, study the work of other artists and to write about art work and its development. The work is centred around the visual elements in Art: line, pattern, form, shape, colour, texture and tone. Students are given regular homework in order to support the work completed in class and to work on their skills and creativity.

The WJEC GCSE course includes a large portfolio of coursework (60%), which is built up during Year 10 and the first term of Year 11. This is completed within a broad topic, using sketchbooks and mounted sheets. Students use a broad range of media in order to develop their ideas, and undertake workshops to learn how to use different media and processes. Students will also complete a sustained focus task, which is a practical exam with several weeks as a preparatory period (40%).

The department encourages individuality, and this is evident particularly in the work completed by the AS and A Level students. The Year 13 from 2009 achieved a 100% pass rate, with 63% achieving A grades. Work in the Sixth form is broad, and the most successful candidates work within areas of interest, which are personal to them. Recent themes chosen have included: man and machines, eating disorders, music, issues in the news, advertising, movement, the local area, and conflict.

Recent gallery trips have included Paris and London, and the department has staged several exhibitions of work, both in school and at the Wyeside Arts Centre. Recently, the department has taken part in a primary transition project, with local Year 5 and 6 students visiting the school for workshops in Art and Music. Year 6 students also take part in lessons across all subject areas during a transition week. We are currently involved in a local community project, helping to regenerate part of the town. The ‘Croeso’ project, run by local residents, will involve students helping with designs, and creating works of art through participating in workshops by local artists.

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