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Art, Craft, Design and Photography

"Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take the risk." - Mark Rothko

 

Subject Overview
We strongly believe the Arts have the power to transform lives. The earlier a child’s engagement with the Arts, the more likely they are to develop vital skills such as communication, analysis, confidence and teamwork. These skills can help students better engage with the mainstream curriculum, stimulating their own creativity and critical faculties.

Curriculum Intent
It is our aim, in the Art and Design department, to provide every student with the knowledge and skills they need to become creative individuals who understand and appreciate the value of art, craft and design, in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

Curriculum Implementation
Art and Design is taught in mixed ability groups across all years. At KS3 students are introduced to a variety of materials and techniques in preparation for either Art and Design or Photography at GCSE and beyond. We cover a broad range of topics and cultures within the projects we deliver to encourage creativity and independence.

Curriculum Impact
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8):
The KS3 Art and Design curriculum involves students exploring through a variety of Art, Craft and Design processes through processes. Each term, students work through a project designed to develop specific technical skills alongside valuable transferable learning skills; these include reflecting, analysing, creative thinking, independent research, evaluation and communication. Every year, through their art work, students will explore different cultures and learn different technical processes.

In Year 7 students explore a variety of techniques and materials including drawing, collage, printmaking, pottery and painting, exploring artists such as Picasso, Hundertwasser.

In Year 8, we use mixed media to create a portrait, construct 3D masks using willow, batik using hot wax and Tjantings, explore a range of cultures and Art movements and learn new creative ways of thinking in the project ‘Robots’.

Throughout Key Stage 3, students learn how to work with increasing independence; they are encouraged to design and create outcomes that are personal to them, take risks with their work and respond to challenges positively with a growing confidence and skill set.

Students are set 4 hours of homework each term. This may be four 1 hour tasks or be broken down into more frequent smaller tasks. We expect students to come equipped with sketching pencils, ruler, rubber, glue stick and pen.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9 - 11):
AQA Art and Design qualifications, at both GCSE and A-level, offer a broad and flexible framework for students to explore practical and critical/contextual work in various artistic fields. The qualifications encourage students to develop their creative, imaginative, and critical thinking skills, alongside practical skills using a range of media and techniques. 

At The Forest we offer both Art, Craft and Design and Photography specialisms at GCSE. Both specifications consist of a coursework element (60%) which involves a series of smaller skills building projects and one sustained, longer project. The exam (40%) is a practical one with a period of preparation work and a final outcome produced in their final exam (10 hours).

Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): (if applicable)
At The Forest we offer both Art, Craft and Design and Photography specialisms at A Level. Both specifications consist of a coursework element (60%) which involves one sustained, longer project (personal Investigation). The exam (40%) is a practical one with a period of preparation work and a final outcome produced in their final exam (15 hours).

Enrichment Opportunities
The Art and Photography department runs a variety of trips and opportunities. Some of the trips and opportunities on offer are:

  • GCSE and A Level:
    • Dinton Country Park (Photography GCSE)
    • London - Food and Street Art  trip to Brick Lane and the South Bank (GCSE and A Level)
    • Kew Gardens (GCSE and A Level)
    • London - Tate Galleries and the South Bank (A Level)
    • London - National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and the Photographer’s Gallery (A Level)
    • Berlin - Art/Photography and History (GCSE)
  • KS3:
    • Art Club
    • Photography Competitions

Curious about the curriculum

Resources and Facilities
In the department we have a great range of specialist equipment that enables us to deliver a broad and exciting curriculum. Our ceramics studio houses a self-contained kiln room. We have a functioning and well used photographic studio, dark room (for all key stages) and an ICT suite, enabling us to teach a full range of digital and film photographic techniques.

Contact Information
If you'd like to find out more please contact Mrs J Aves, Subject Leader on javes@forest.academy

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