Curriculum Leader:
- Mrs S Taylor
Department Staff:
- Mr T Farrell
About the subject:
Art is both expressive and impressive. It’s a way of communicating beyond words, a method whereby we can share some complicated feelings, or thoughts, or ideas, in a way that transcends spoken or written language. For some it is a monumental part of our well-being. It takes on its own meaning and resonates with different people in different ways.
If you think about it you are surrounded by something that once started as an idea, as a sketch. Somebody creative with an imagination has bought something to life. The world is filled with computers, smartphones and tablets. Almost all businesses have an online presence, with online advertising increasing by the day. We are connected to the internet for long periods. The demand for web designers, app designers, software designers, graphic designers, digital illustrators, multimedia artists, video producers, online publishers, animation artists, game designers and many other digital careers is undergoing immense growth.
Art enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, lateral thinking, complex analysis and critical thinking skills. No matter what career you choose, those who can arrange, present and display material in a way that is aesthetically pleasing have an advantage.
Art should be celebrated. Art in our community is celebrated. Work is displayed around the school to showcase St Joseph’s amazing talent and creativity with Instagram also being used to show progression and joy.
KS3 overview:
KS3 classes are mixed ability and they receive 2 hours of Art per fortnight. Pupils are introduced to a range of skills, materials and techniques. The work of artists, art movements and different cultures are used to inform pupils’ work and are an integral part of their art work. Art homework is related to their projects.
KS3 Art club:
- Monday – Year 7 – 12.25pm-1.20pm
- Tuesday – Year 8 – 12.25pm-1.20pm
- Wednesday – Year 9 – 12.25pm-1.20pm
KS4 overview:
GCSE Art & Design There are four assessment objectives that form the marking framework for GCSE. Over the course of the projects students will cover all these assessment objectives. As a part of this students will critique art and work in the style of artists using their techniques. Students will develop their work and experiment with many mediums. Students will play and get messy whilst honing their artistic skills and finding their niche. Techniques which can be covered will consist of drawing, painting, 3D sculptures, print making, stitch, photography and mixed media.
Students will produce a portfolio of work which will form the coursework element of the course and this makes up 60% of their final mark. The external Controlled Assessment (examination) begins in the January of Year 11 and forms 40% of their final mark. For the External Controlled Assessment students will spend a minimum of six weeks preparing and developing a body of work which culminates in a ten-hour exam to produce a final piece. All work is marked internally and then moderated externally by the examination board (WJEC).
KS4 Extra sessions:
- Friday lunchtime – 12.25pm-1.20pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Examinations:
KS3 – Assessments are as per school calendar and link to the student’s projects. This will include a drawing element to assess skills and progression but will also include critiquing a piece of work. Students will be told the nature of their assessments prior to sitting them ensuring preparation time. They will be provided with a revision sheet the month before the assessment to allow time to revise.
KS4 (YEAR 10) –Assessments for Year 10 are based on the coursework project that they are working on at the time. The exam outcomes form part of their portfolio of work.
KS4 (YEAR 11) – Year 11 have ongoing assessments. They also have a five-hour mock exam. During this five-hour exam the student will produce a final outcome for their coursework project and will be marked using the exam criteria.
Gallery : 2019/2020 Projects
Year 7 (Formal Elements):
- Pattern
- Line, Tone and Mark Making
- Colour Theory and Composition
- Eisteddfod Competition
- Tea and Cake Project
Year 8:
Natural Form – Portraiture
- Proportion and Tone
- Line and Tone
- Neurographic Portraits
Natural Form – The Ocean
- Yellena James Ocean Illustration
- 3D Aquarium
- Vincent Scarpace Clay
Natural Form – Wire Sculpture
Year 9:
Man Made – Architecture
- Fairytale Architecture illustration
- Fairytale Illuminated Clay Jars
Culture – Mandalas and Rotational Symmetry
- Digital Mandalas
- Origami Mandala
- Press Print Mandalas
Narrative: Teesha Moore inspired 3D star concertina
Year 10:
1. Coursework Project (60%)
Year 11:
1. Coursework Project Completion (60%)
2. WJEC Controlled Assessment (40%)
Conway Residential
Every year there will be an opportunity for the Year 10 cohort to spend a weekend on a residential with practicing artists and teachers. This weekend opens the mind to new techniques and shows that anything is possible. Students will come away with a design board and a final piece that can form a part of your coursework. It is optional and has a cost but this is an experience that, if possible, should not be missed.