Art and Design

Course summary

Art is a small word for such a big subject and big experience. By the time you have done GCSE you know quite a lot about the subject, but in reality, it is only just beginning. The basic processes developed during the GCSE courses remain the core to producing a successful body of coursework. Pupils will be expected to fully research given themes, exploring possibilities in terms of media application, technique and scale. However, the emphasis on the personal response to any set task is greatly increased and all students are encouraged to establish their own individual style and artistic approach. At Sixth Form level the understanding and knowledge aspect of Art is very important, seeing Art first hand by visiting galleries and museums is central to the course. In the past we have visited the Northern Tate and Walker Galleries in Liverpool, the Manchester Galleries and also run gallery visits to London. We also run a foreign tour every two years in the February half term. Our last trip was to New York. In the development of practical work critical and contextual studies are an integral aspect that informs each student’s development of any given theme. Throughout the course there are also opportunities to work in a variety of locations out of school that are chosen to support the projects undertaken.