Art & Design
Curriculum Information
ART and DESIGN IN KEY STAGE 3
"The Arts are fundamental ways of organising our understanding of the world, and call on profound qualities of discipline and insight. They must be included in education wherever schools are concerned to develop the full range of children's intelligence and abilities." (Gulbenkian Report - "The Arts in School" 1982).
The Art department at Guru Nanak Sikh School believes in Art and amp; Design as an essential element of general education, offering, as it does, a unique opportunity for self-expression and communication. The aim is to achieve this by a wide range of practical and critical activities. All students regardless of ability need to be aware of ' ' the complex nature of visual imagery, either as a future artist, designer or adult consumer in a modern technological society. The Art department syllabus focuses on the aesthetic and the functional outcomes that may be expressive, communicate or problem solving. It requires that students' perceptual, analytical and critical skills are developed. While the emphasis is on process rather than outcome, it is important that students develop practical skills and also that they are encouraged to develop their ideas as imaginatively and creatively as possible, using a variety of media and techniques. Students manipulate a visual language, comprising of line, shape, form, tone, colour, pattern and texture in order to realise their intentions. The Art department is committed to the cultural development of its students and the fostering of appreciation of cultural diversity. We aim to provide a stimulating environment that allows students to work to take pride in their achievements and those of other students. By the end of Key Stage 3 it is hoped that students will have developed a range of skills, as well as having had a broad experience of techniques and processes. Critical and historical work will play an important role throughout the three years, emphasis being placed on its integral nature, rather than as a separate component of study. The use of visiting museums is encouraged whenever possible.
ART and DESIGN IN KEY STAGE 4
The GCSE course aims to foster in students a broad understanding of the nature of Art and Design. Students build on areas of experience covered in years 7 to 9 as well as learning new skills and how to apply them. As the course progresses students will be encouraged to use these skills in order to present solutions for ideas in an increasingly independent study.
Areas of activity within the course include drawing, painting, print making and three dimensional works. Computer graphics will be integrated in areas of research and presentation. ICT will also be invaluable for critical and historical elements of the course. We would like to expect at least one gallery visit to London to collect research and resource materials.
Using the four study skills investigation, experimentation, documentation and realisation, the course and examination aims to test student ability to record responses to direct experience, observation and imagination.
- Investigate visual and other source of information;
- Explore and use a range of media for working in two and three dimensions;
- Review, modify and refine work as it progresses;
- Identify the distinctive characteristics of art, craft and design and relate them to the context in which the work was created, making connections with the students own work;
- Make critical judgements about art, craft and design using a specialist vocabulary.
The art department aims to develop the self confidence and independence of the students and see this expressed in their work. It is particularly important that students possess high levels of self-discipline and motivation, but above all we are looking for interest, curiosity, adaptability and perseverance in the subject.
Assessment
Assessed course work: 60%
Final examination: 40%
The final examination takes place in the form of a 10 hour timed test. Prior to the exam students have a total of eight weeks preparation time which allows them to investigate the theme assigned.
Success in this examination results in London Examination GCSE Art and Design. The examination provides a sound foundation for further study in art and design. Further study offered is AS and A2 level art and design.