Art

KS3 Art

The Key Stage 3 curriculum for Art is centred around creativity and growing students’ engagement with the visual arts. The course aims to build their confidence to understand art and develop key skills and knowledge. Students explore an exciting range of projects focusing on skill development and critical understanding. Over the three years students will explore the work of a broad range of artists, designers and photographers, engaging with artworks from a broad range of times and cultures. The curriculum is designed to be challenging yet supportive and inclusive, with each student working towards their own personal best. The KS3 curriculum aims to be a foundation for future learning, teaching students the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive creativity in whatever subjects they choose to study at Key Stage 4 and beyond. 

Year 7

The Year 7 curriculum has a strong focus on building knowledge and experimentation with a broad range of art media. In the Autumn term students explore the formal elements of art and design as a foundation for future learning, with a focus on drawing, mark-making and colour. In the Spring term students build upon these skills exploring pattern, shape and form, growing in confidence to understand new key terminology and develop practical skills. In the Summer term students explore Fauvism and painting, bringing together their skills and knowledge of colour, texture and mark-making. Homework tasks are set throughout the year and further develop the skills and topics being explored in their classwork. 

Themes for Year 7 are:  

Autumn – Drawing Skills/Colour Theory 
Spring – Pattern/Shape/Form 
Summer – Fauvism/Painting skills 

Year 8

The Year 8 curriculum has a strong focus on personal development and evolving key skills learnt in Year 7. Students continue to develop their confidence to draw and learn new skills. The Year 8 curriculum introduces students to range of different drawing methods and art movements, growing both their practical skills and contextual knowledge. Autumn term focuses on Mexican Day of the Dead, building students understanding of this vibrant festival exploring colour, pattern and symbolism. In the Spring term students explore natural forms, building their observational drawing skills and confidence to draw in different art media. In the Summer term students explore Pop Art, learning about its place within the art timeline and its influences. Homework tasks are set throughout the year and further develop the skills and topics being explored in their classwork. 

Themes for Year 8 are:  

Autumn – Mexican Day of the Dead 
Spring – Natural Forms 
Summer – Pop Art 

Year 9

The Year 9 curriculum has a strong focus on preparing students for Key Stage 4 and developing their critical thinking skills. Students will continue to develop key drawing skills in challenging topics such as portraiture, whilst also introducing new focus areas such as portrait photography and photomontage. The Spring term topic, Inside the Body makes connections to science exploring cells and anatomy, utilising a broad range of mixed-media techniques and processes. The Summer term returns to drawing and explores the art movement Cubism, introducing students to abstract concepts and different ways of looking at and creating art. For those choosing to pursue the Art and Photography options they will have the opportunity to engage with the GCSE themes of Reflection and Distortion/Reality and begin developing ideas towards their GCSE projects. Homework tasks are set throughout the year and further develop the skills and topics being explored in their classwork. 

Themes for Year 9 are:  

Autumn – Portraiture: Drawing & Photography 
Spring - Inside the Body & Mixed-Media Experimentation 
Summer – Cubism & Abstraction 

GCSE- FINE ART

Exam Board: AQA

Exam Unit: Fine Art 8202

Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8202/specification/subject-content/fine-art#Fine_art

The GCSE Fine Art course builds on what students have been learning throughout KS3. At KS4, Art students build a portfolio of studies and work on large portfolio pages as well as in sketchbooks. As part of the course, they will be working with Gallery on the Green, Settle’s very own art gallery space, where students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work. 
Students are introduced to the assessment objectives of the course and supported through the process by working through the following 6 stages of a project: Explore, Context, Observe, Plan, Practise and Outcome. Within the GCSE course, students explore a broad range of techniques and processes working in both 2D and 3D. They will have the opportunity to work in multiple art media including painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles and digital art. Students will explore the theme of Reflection for coursework and will select one of 7 set themes by the exam board for the externally set assignment.  

The course comprises of 60% coursework and 40% exam to which these are divided into four different assessment objectives. 

·         AO1- DEVELOP - Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

·         AO2- REFINE - Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, techniques and processes.

·         AO3- RECORD - Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

·         AO4- PRESENT - Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

To study GCSE Art, some ability to draw is useful but having enthusiasm, commitment, organisation and a willingness to try is much more important. Students are set homework regularly; this work can be completed at home, during lunchtime or in after-school support sessions run in the department. 

We ask students to purchase a folder and two sketchbooks for the course; these can be purchased at cost price via ParentPay. Outside of this, all equipment required for the course is provided by school, however if a student wants something specialist or unusual then this would need to be provided at their own cost. We recommended a basic set of equipment such as good quality drawing pencils, fineliners, blendable colouring pencils and a set of watercolours/brushes to enable students to work independently at home.  

Students who have studied GCSE Art, have the option to continue their learning with us at Settle College on our A Level Fine Art course or can pursue another arts course locally. Regarding careers beyond GCSE and A Level students can explore further and higher education options such as degrees, apprenticeships or work placements.

GCSE- PHOTOGRAPHY

Exam Board: AQA

Exam Unit: Photography 8206

Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8206/specification/specification-at-a-glance

The GCSE Photography course builds on what students have been learning throughout KS3. At KS4, Photography students build a portfolio of studies, presenting their work in digital portfolios, presentation folders and on large portfolio pages. As part of the course, we will be working with the Settle to Carlisle Railway, using their scenic stations and train line as inspiration. 

Students are introduced to the assessment objectives of the course and supported through the process by working through the following stages: Explore, Context, Observe, Plan, Practise and Outcome. Within the GCSE course, students explore a broad range of photographic techniques and processes working both practically and digitally. They will have the opportunity to use DSLR cameras and explore a range of editing apps including Photopea. Students will explore the theme of Reality/Distortion for coursework and will select one of 7 set themes by the exam board for the externally set assignment.  

The course comprises of 60% coursework and 40% exam to which these are divided into four different assessment objectives. 

·         AO1- DEVELOP - Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources. 
·         AO2- REFINE - Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, techniques and processes. 
·         AO3- RECORD - Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses. 
·         AO4- PRESENT - Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language. 

To study GCSE Photography, an interest in photography is key but having enthusiasm, commitment, organisation and a willingness to try is much more important. Students are set homework regularly; this work can be completed at home, during lunchtime or in after-school support sessions run in the department. 

We ask students to purchase a folder and two presentation folders for the course; these can be purchased at cost price via ParentPay. Outside of this, all equipment required for the course is provided by school however if a student wants something specialist or unusual then this would need to be provided at their own cost. We recommended that if choosing this course, you have access to a camera, this can be the camera on your phone and either a printer to use at home or credits to print in school. Access to a computer can be helpful, however opportunities to use IT within school do not make this essential.  

Students who have studied GCSE Photography, have the option to continue their learning with us at Settle College on our A Level Photography course or can pursue another arts course locally. Regarding careers beyond GCSE and A Level students can explore further and higher education options such as degrees, apprenticeships or work placements 

KS5 – A LEVEL ART & PHOTOGRAPHY 

Art and Photography challenges students to look at the world with curiosity, encouraging them to become independent thinkers, concept builders and problem solvers. These subjects teach students to think creativity, to express themselves and to think outside the box - skills that will benefit them in whatever they choose to do beyond sixth form studies. 

A LEVEL - Fine Art – Course information 

Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas 
Exam Unit: A-level Art and Design (Fine Art) A651QS 
Specification: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/a3ndenvr/eduqas-a-level-art-and-design-spec-from-2015-e-090119.pdf

In Year 12, students begin the course by choosing a theme area they wish to explore. This focus area will inform much of their coursework, being used as a stimulus to generate research, ideas, experimental pieces and outcomes. This theme will evolve and develop over the coursework unit and will work alongside their critical study (1000-3000 words). Art students will explore a broad range of art media, building skills through workshops, critiques and tutorials. A key element of the course is exploring the work of others and gaining insights to how artists’ work connects to their own ideas and how their art practice fits into a wider context. Students will sit a 5-hour mock exam in the Summer term of Year 12 to develop a more sustained piece of work.  

In Year 13, students continue to develop and investigate their coursework theme, with this unit forming completion in January of Year 13 where they will create a final outcome in a 15-hour mock exam. At this point all work created on the course - including sketchbooks, practice pieces, outcomes and the critical study will be submitted for assessment. For the remainder of the course, February to April students work on the externally set assignment, where they must select one of the themes provided by the exam board. They will produce a separate sketchbook of work and create a final piece in a 15-hour exam. 
 
A LEVEL – Photography – Course Information 

Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas 
Exam Unit: A-level Art  and Design (Photography) A656QS 
Specification: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/a3ndenvr/eduqas-a-level-art-and-design-spec-from-2015-e-090119.pdf

In Year 12, students begin the course by choosing a theme area they wish to explore. This focus area will inform much of their coursework, being used as a stimulus to generate research, ideas, experimental pieces and outcomes. This theme will evolve and develop over the coursework unit and will work alongside their critical study (1000-3000 words). Photography students will explore ways to create work both digitally and practically, building skills through workshops, critiques and tutorials. They will use a variety of editing apps with a focus on Photopea. A key element of the course is exploring the work of others and gaining insights to how photographers’ work connects to their own ideas and how their creative practice fits into a wider context. Students will sit a 5-hour mock exam in the Summer term of Year 12 to develop a more sustained piece of work. There is an element of drawing that is required.  

In Year 13, students continue to develop and investigate their coursework theme, with this unit forming completion in January of Year 13 where they will create a final outcome in a 15-hour mock exam. At this point all work created on the course – including digital/practical portfolios, digital pieces, practical pieces, outcomes and the critical study will be submitted for assessment. For the remainder of the course, February to April students work on the externally set assignment, where they must select one of the themes provided by the exam board. They will produce a separate digital/practical portfolio of work and create a final piece in a 15-hour exam. 

Entry Requirements 

5 GCSE grades at 5 or above 
Grade 6 or above in GCSE Art (Fine Art course only) 
(Students who do not meet these requirements may still be considered on the presentation of a portfolio of work) 

Assessment: 

Component 1- 60% 
Portfolio of practical work and critical study 

Component 2- 40% 
Externally Set Examination 

Students are introduced to the assessment objectives of the course and supported through the process by working through the following 6 stages of a project: Explore, Context, Observe, Plan, Practise and Outcome. 

Trips and Visits:  

Students will get the opportunity to visit museums and galleries as part of the course with trips both locally and to London. 

Contributions: 

We ask students to purchase an A1 folder, two A3 sketchbooks/portfolios, two A4 notebooks and two A5 journals for the course; these can be purchased as a pack at cost price via ParentPay. Students taking the course will be required to make a financial contribution to trips and visits made as part of the course.  They will also need to build up specialist materials and equipment which they can use at home. If studying Photography access to a good quality camera outside of school would be beneficial. 

Progression: 

Entry onto a Foundation course is the usual next step for those intending a career in the Art and Photography fields.  For those seeking to go straight to university, into an apprenticeship or on to employment, A Levels in Art and Photography are valid qualifications for a broad range of purposes, including UCAS applications for a variety of courses.  
Students who have previous been taught A Level Art or Photography at Settle College have gone on to study at a broad range of art colleges and universities. Most recently students have gone on to study Fine Art at St Johns University, York, Illustration at Leeds Arts University and Graphic Design at the University of Huddersfield  

Careers: 

There is a broad variety of employment in the creative industries of Art and Design.  This can include: 

Fine Art: Painter, Sculptor, Printer, Architectural Illustrator, Graphic Illustration, Tattoo Artist, Special Effects, Curator, Gallery Director, Teacher/Lecturer, Art Therapist, Television and Film Production. 

Photography: Fashion Photographer, Photojournalist, Advertising Photographer, and many jobs in the film industry. 
 
Academic: Art Historian, Art Critic, Arts and Cultural Planner, Graphic Novel Designer, Art Administrator. 

Fashion/Textiles: Accessory Designer, Fashion Designer, Fashion Consultant, Costume Designer, Fibre Artist. 

Graphic Designer: Advertising Designer or Director, Magazine Layout, Packaging Designer, Logo/Branding designer. 

Spatial Design: Architect, Landscape Architect, Set Designer, Interior Designer, Urban Planner, Expo Designer. 

Digital/Multimedia: Digital 3D Modeller, Animator, digital Illustrator, Web Designer, Film Editor, Special Effects. 

3D Designer: Jewellery Designer, Industrial Designer (Bridges, Cars, Trainers etc.) Prop Designer, Ceramic Designer. 

Television and Film: Production, Director, Screenwriter, Script Editor, Set Design, Locations Manager 

Business: Trustee, Events Manager/Coordinator, Museums and Gallery Management, Programme Producer, Operations Manager, Arts Council England roles. 

Education: Lecturer, Teacher, Museum and Gallery Educator roles, Art therapy, Community based roles, Youth work, Early Years.