Art & Design

What is special about this subject?

It nurtures creative skill and imagination through exploring materials, techniques and processes to collaboratively and independently communicate ideas. Students develop independence, are persistent in their efforts and encouraged to take creative risks without fear of failure. Students are challenged to be curious and inquisitive when researching artists and designers promoting critical and reflective discussion. They produce art work inspired by a culturally diverse range of Artists showing understanding of how this work has shaped our world. Students will respect and care for their work and that of others as well as the space they work in.

What Is The Learning Journey Through This Subject?

Key Stage 3 - Art & Design

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS SUBJECT?

Art and Design stimulates creativity and imagination.  It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world.  Students use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think.  Through Art and Design activities students learn to make informed value judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions, becoming actively involved in shaping environments.  They explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, crafts people and designers.  They learn about the diverse roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life, and in different times and cultures.  Understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts have the power to enrich our personal and public lives.

WHAT SKILLS AND THEMES ARE COVERED?

The following areas are covered during the Key Stage:

• Printmaking including mono printing and polystyrene printing
• Graphic Design including lettering, typeface design and logo design
• Portraiture in the style of a range of artists and techniques
• Digital Art developing skills in Pixlr, Canva and Onshape
• Drawing and mark making techniques
• Colour Theory and painting
• Historical and contemporary Art theory 

HOW IS IT ASSESSED?

Art is assessed in knowledge, skills and understanding that students are expected to gain by the end of Key Stage 3.  The NTC Standards for Art indicate progression in exploring and developing ideas: investigating and making art, craft and design and evaluating and developing work.  Knowledge and understanding supports attainment in all three aspects.  Each unit of work will have a particular assessment focus.  Students will also take part in self evaluation and negotiated target setting.  Assessment at the end of Key Stage 3 is based on knowledge of how you perform across a range of contexts and considers different strengths and weaknesses of your performance. Judgements are not based on individual pieces of work, but on the knowledge of the students work overtime, with greater emphasis being placed on your performance during the whole of Key Stage 3.

WHERE DOES THIS TAKE ME?

In Key Stage 4 you can choose a BTEC Tech in Art and Design Practice.  You can also continue to study at Sixth Form and take a BTEC National in Art Design Practice.  This can lead to a place at college, university or employment.

Key Stage 4 - BTEC Art And Design

WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THIS COURSE?

On this course you will learn

The BTEC Tech in Art and Design Practice includes 2 mandatory components.

MANDATORY UNITS:

Component 1: Creative Practice in Art and Design

Component 2: Responding to a Brief QUALIFICATION

This qualification enables learners to develop skills across a range of art and design practices using a combination of practical exploration, experimentation and realistic vocational contexts. They will develop personal skills, such as managing creative projects, documenting progress of skills and work, responding to briefs and presenting work through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment.

The course is graded at a Level 1, Level 2 Pass, Merit or Distinction.

WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I ACHIEVE?

You will achieve a BTEC Tech in Art and Design.

This qualification can lead to further study at Sixth Form with the Level 3 BTEC National in Art and Design Practice.

WHERE WILL THIS QUALIFICATION TAKE ME?

This qualification can lead to further study at Sixth Form with the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design.

Key Stage 5 - Art & Design

MANDATORY components:

Exploring and Developing Art and Design Skills

A1 Skills Development

A2 Creative Project

HOW IS IT ASSESSED?

In this assessment unit, learners apply their learning synoptically to complete a project in response to a vocationally relevant brief. The unit assesses learners’ ability to use their skills in an integrated way to produce a response that meets the requirements of a brief, applying a range of planning, practical exploration, creative thinking, industry knowledge and technical skills. You will be graded with a L3 Pass, Merit or Distinction. The National Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels.

There are five assessment criteria:

1. Informing ideas
2. Problem solving
3. Technical Skills
4. Professional practice
5. Communication

 HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

You can find out more by contacting Ms Hayes at: Hayesm@ntc.kent.sch.uk