Art
The Art department is led by Miss D’Abreu. She is supported by specialist Art and Design teachers, Miss White, Mrs Collins and Mrs Kilner, Mr Richardson and Mrs Shaw, alongside our part time technician, Miss Murphy.
Art Intent
"Creativity takes courage", Henri Matisse
Art is part of very popular and vibrant faculty at Whitcliffe Mount. Schemes of work are constantly reviewed and developed to ensure our teaching is relevant, exciting and reflective of current practices. We focus on both skills and creativity, looking at historical and contemporary artists to ensure our students have a broad and interesting art education.
The Art department is led by Miss D’Abreu. She is supported by specialist Art and Design teachers, Miss White, Mrs Collins and Mrs Kilner, Mr Richardson and Mrs Shaw, alongside our part time technician, Miss Murphy.
The Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Students receive two 60 minute lessons over the two week timetable. With not a moment to lose, we use Do Now activities to practice skills and drawing techniques. Then we fill our lessons with learning the specifics of techniques, such as printmaking, collage, painting, drawing and 3D work, as well as asking students to explore their creativity by developing their own ideas and final outcomes in diverse areas of art such as Formal Elements, Pop Art and Surrealism.
In Year 7 we introduce students to the basic concepts of how to create a drawing using shading and how to mix and apply paint. There will be a varied range of experiences from primary school, but this course will give them all a basic grounding and allow for progress and for more able students to challenge themselves. Students will be using artists’ work to help develop their own, looking at the work of Georges Seurat, Vincent Van Gogh and Franz Marc.
In Year 8 students build on their knowledge of observational drawing and understanding of a major art movement by studying Pop Art and the work of Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Indiana and Jasper Johns. They produce paintings and relief prints in a Pop Art style.
In Year 9 students experiment with a diverse range of media to develop their understanding of the formal elements by studying the topic of Surrealism. Students investigate the theme of dragons, mythical creatures and monsters by exploring line, colour, tone, texture, shape and form using materials such as paint, chalk, charcoal, foil relief, and clay. Students will be using artists’ work to help develop their own, looking at the work of Don Kenn, Redmer Hoekstra and Rene Magritte.
Year 9 develops students’ experience familiarity with GCSE layout and artistic language to help prepare those who decide to continue the subject at KS4 into GCSE. For those who don’t, there is also an opportunity to explore mindfulness and the idea that Art can be used to help with stress. Students will understand there are different periods and styles of Art throughout history, be able to identify styles of Art they like and use these to develop their own work combining words and pictures.
Throughout KS3 students are encouraged to be able share resources, to clean up after themselves and others and to be able to respect others’ opinions and act on advice in the Art classroom.
What is the subject about?
In Year 10 & 11, students are studying for a GCSE in Art and Design.
Learners have the opportunity to develop a range of different art and design skills and techniques, such as drawing, painting, textiles, computer work, digital photography, clay and 3D. Students are also encouraged, through their practical participation in a range of disciplines, to develop their people, communication, planning, project management and team working skills. They will also have a wider understanding and appreciation of Art and Design.
Students will gain a GCSE qualification, which will enable them to progress onto a Level 3 qualification and employment; helping them to develop a range of working skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes, that are essential for successful performance in working life.
How am I assessed?
Students in Year 10 and 11 receive five 60 minute lessons over the two week timetable.
60% of the Art and Design qualification is coursework so students will be continuously assessed. Ways to improve their work will be fed back both written and verbally, enabling them to have a clear understanding of what they need to do in order to achieve their potential. Students are not set, and are able to work independently, working to a brief but encouraged to follow individual pathways throughout the course.
In April of Year 11, 40% of the course is externally assessed, and this will take the form of a project. Students will have to explore and investigate an externally set brief with their teacher’s support, and then complete a 10 hour exam in which to independently produce a final outcome.
Don’t worry; students don’t sit the 10 hours all in one chunk!
Where could this subject take me in the future?
Initially, a GCSE in Art and Design can lead students to Level 3 qualifications, such as a A’ Levels (and not necessarily in Art!). However, if students decide to pursue Art further, they will discover it is one of the largest employment industries in the UK. Everything you live in, wear, drive, sit on, sleep in has been designed by someone!
Careers in Art include animation, graphic design, photography, fashion, textiles, architecture, entertainment, design, product design, craft, ceramics, theatre, illustration and computers.
Course Specification:
Yr.10 & 11
Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Art and Design.
Extended Curriculum
Revision and Achieve Support
The art department organises art intervention and revision classes throughout the year for students studying Art and Design.
KS4 Achieve Sessions - Friday 3.00pm-4.00pm
Careers in Art
Wondering what career path to take when you leave school?
Luckily at Whitcliffe Mount we have an extensive Art, Design and Technology Faculty that offers lots of options helping you choose an exciting career. We offer first class careers advice. Incorporating strong links with employers and further education.
There are many different careers in the creative industries for those with a flair for design or artistic talent. To get you thinking, here's a flavour of the creative opportunities that are available - Routes into Art.
Useful Links
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/leedsartgallery
https://hepworthwakefield.org/
Henry Moore Institute | Henry Moore Foundation (henry-moore.org)
http://www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk/
Please click the links below to view our curriculum plans.