Art, Design & Photography

In Art lessons, students are encouraged to develop their visual language by using a wide variety of media in order to express their ideas, thoughts and understanding of artists’ work. They explore and develop knowledge and techniques as effectively as possible through a diverse range of projects and themes.

• We encourage the observation, understanding and interpretation of the world around us
• You will develop the technical knowledge necessary to communicate ideas effectively
• We will encourage you to develop creative ideas that are central to artistic activity
• You will develop analytical and evaluative techniques, creative problem solving and fine motor skills that are valuable in many subject areas and careers

• As part of curriculum support in Years 10 and 11, trips are organised to a variety of galleries to support coursework and exam development of ideas

• Year 10 GCSE Art students have the opportunity to take part in a residential trip to Cornwall

• Taster sessions for Year 11 students take place within the Art department to help with choosing subjects at Key Stage 5 Support sessions are run for GCSE and BTEC students at lunchtime and after school Key Stage 5 students are encouraged to work independently during free periods in the Art department, with teacher support available

• Art Club for Years 7 and 8 students period 6 (3-4pm)

• Students applying for art college/university receive 1:1 support to create a portfolio

• We offer life drawing classes for Key Stage 5 Art students

• Students’ work is exhibited at Sutton Library as part of the annual Youth Art Exhibition

YEAR 7

Students will develop their artistic techniques through the following projects: drawing and shading still life, one point perspective bedrooms, understanding colour combinations, observational studies of toys and a clay response to the artist Yayoi Kusama.

YEAR 8

Students will develop their observational and technical skills further by completing projects centred on: portraits, painting and printmaking techniques and observations of food with a 3D outcome.

Students can choose GCSE in Fine Art or Photography, or BTEC in Art & Design.

In the GCSE courses students will be given a theme to follow and then explore techniques in exciting and imaginative ways to present their ideas. They will study artists to inspire their own ideas.

In the BTEC course they will explore a range of design techniques such as illustration and learn how to develop design ideas for a client.

• A Level Fine Art
• A Level Graphic Design
• A Level Photography