Art

& Photography

St. Alban's Catholic High School Art Department aims to:

  • Develop visual perception and understanding, including the creative, imaginative and practical skills for working in art, craft and design.

  • Develop visual literacy and an appreciation of the richness of our cultural heritage, religions and environment through practical and critical responses to achievement in art, craft and design.

  • Develop the individuals special aptitudes and interests and foster and encourage confidence, enthusiasm and sense of achievement.

'Art develops spiritual values and contributes a wider understanding to the experience of life which helps to build a balanced personality' Bridget Riley, Painter

 

 

 

 

 



Key Stages 3 &4

During key stage 3, pupils follow a course that covers a broad range of themes including 'Art from other Cultures', 'Portraiture', and 'The Environment'. Projects are designed to encourage pupils to make independent discussions and to approach their work in experimental and expressive ways. Pupils will learn about the elements in art (colour, shape, line, tone, texture, pattern, form and space) and how they can be used. They will learn about the History of Art and they will develop confidence in and an ability to communicate their feelings about their work and the work of others.

Pupils will learn to use a wide range of media and techniques in 2 and 3D, working independently and as a group. Sketchbooks are a fundamental part of the KS3 course and are an important tool in pupils' experience and development of their work.

The GCSE course is made up of 2 major coursework units and a time test towards the end of year 11. The coursework units are 'The Environment' and 'People' and each will cover a wide range of areas associated with the theme.

During the projects, students will make visits, explore a wide range of areas for investigation and use a wide range of media and techniques. Each project will culminate in more than one personal response to the theme which will have been developed according to the students own ideas.

Key Stage 5

The AS/A2 course followed is the AQA course.

The AS Course consists of 2 units of coursework with a timed test at the end of year 12. Unit 1 is 'Personal identity' and unit 2 'Ways of Seeing'. The timed test is set by the exam board and takes place after a preparation period of 4 weeks.

Students display their work for moderation at the end of the course and then decide whether they wish to continue onto the A2 course in order to achieve the full A level.

During the A2 part of the course, students do a further 2 units of coursework (one of which is a personal study of their own choice) and a timed test.

The best foundation for success at AS Level and A Level is a good grade at GCSE, at least Grade C. AS Level and A Level Art is not an easy option and you should be highly motivated and prepared to work hard.

Students will follow the AQA syllabus.

AS

The AS comprises Units 1,2 and 3 and may be awarded as a discrete qualification or count as 50% of the full A-Level.

At the end of Year 12 students will have the option to continue to take the full A Level. There will be opportunities to discuss this with your teachers at the end of the AS year.

A2

The full A Level award consists of the three AS units studied in Year 12 plus units 4, 5 and 6.

You will be expected to equip yourselves with a sketch-book throughout the course and have a selection of art equipment at home. You will also need an A1 folder/portfolio in which to store your work. You may find that you will need to buy books and pay for trips.

This courses is suitable for students who wish to undertake further studies in art, craft and design, usually at Art College or further education, as well as those who are looking to take up careers for which an art background is relevant. These might include advertising, publishing, architecture, fashion/interior design, textiles, fine art, illustration, teaching, theatre and costume design and many more. The course is also suitable for students who have an interest in the subject but do not expect to take it beyond AS Level or A Level.