Art and Photography
The philosophy of the Art Department at Churchdown School is to provide a broad and enriching curriculum in order to allow pupils to fully experience the different possibilities offered within the subject.
We look at both traditional and contemporary styles of Art and Photography to explore skills from painting and drawing to ceramics and new media. With the increase in a visual communication, we work hard to develop pupils’ analytical skills in order to respond to the increasing demand for creative thinking in the professional world. Through the Schemes of Work and our supportive teaching we aim to help grow students’ resilience, exploration and risk taking along with observation and creativity skills.
We welcome the opportunities offered at all key stages to work both in 2D and 3D. The department offers a range of specialist art equipment and materials including printing presses, two ceramic kilns and a purpose built gallery.
We are fortunate to offer both GCSE and A-level Photography at Churchdown School and have a collection of specialist cameras and accessories along with digital editing software.
We are delighted to see work of excellence and a very positive commitment to the subject from pupils/students at all three key stages.
Curve Gallery
The Curve is a purpose built gallery that hosts a programme of exhibitions. This is a valuable opportunity for students to see the work of artists first hand and also have a space to exhibit their own work. This allows students to view work in a range of different media, gaining inspiration and the understanding of how to present and market their work.
KS3 Overview – Projects
During Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils are taught a wide range of core artistic skills. These include the basic elements of line, tone, colour, shape, form, pattern and texture. Various techniques and skills including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and print-making are also explored.
• Year 7 Still Life, Colour theory and Landscapes.
• Year 8 Natural Forms, Pattern and Portraits.
• Year 9 Close up, Abstract and Graffiti.
The Key stage 3 schemes of work are designed to offer students a rich curriculum touching on opportunities after education, preparing them with the knowledge and skills to successfully commence GCSE and A-Level courses.
Work is assessed using the department success criteria which are linked to GCSE objectives. WWW/EBI give specific and accurate advice alongside constant verbal feedback, this is followed up by time to make the relevant improvements. Termly isms track each student’s progress against flight paths leading them to GCSE success.
KS4 Overview
Years 10 and 11 students can work towards GCSE qualifications in 3 Specialisms of Fine Art, Photography or 3Dimensional Design (Clay). A broader artistic knowledge is developed during these years through coursework which links to the work of established artists, designers, styles and movements.
GCSE Fine Art is seen as the general art and covers all of the following disciplines: Painting, Drawing, Printing, Sculpture, Photography and Digital Art. 60% Coursework 40% Practical exam.
• Introduction Project- ‘Natural Forms’ inspired by Georgia O’Keefe, Peter Randall Page and Valerie Hegarty. Students are taught a range of key art skills: Monoprints, Mod-roc relief work, Collage, Painting, Stencil work and presentation skills.
• ‘A sense of place’ is the main project which enable students to take a more personalised path. Students select an artist which inspires them from a list which includes John Piper, Paul Kenton, Minty Sainsbury and Sunga Park. Students follow the GCSE assessment criteria and develop their own collections of photos and first hand responses to showcase their skills within the theme.
• Final piece based on ‘A sense of place’: Students should create a personal and meaningful response to the theme in a 10 hour controlled assessment.
GCSE Three-Dimensional Design ( Clay) -60% Coursework 40% Practical exam.
Students will work in 3D demonstrating skills in creating reliefs, coil work, slab ware and sculptural pieces experimenting with textures, pressing into the surface, weaving, and mould work.
• Use of a range of 3D materials such as clay, mod roc, plaster, willow, card or wire.
• Natural Forms – seed pods, plants, trees and landscapes inspired by Peter Randall-Page, Andy Goldsworthy, Henry Moore.
• Final piece based on research, artist influences, photographs and planning work. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate skills and techniques in the context of their chosen area
GCSE Photography. Students will be expected to demonstrate skills and techniques within the use of photography: lens-based and light-based media as follows:
A Sense of Place- through this project students are taught the ability to explore formal elements of visual language; line, form, colour, tone, pattern, texture, in the context of photography. Students learn how to respond to the theme through the exploration of traditional and contemporary photographers. They develop a range of skills in digital manipulation including Photoshop and physical manipulations using weaving, slicing, collage and mixed media responses. A trip to the Black Country Museum gives students an exciting opportunity to photograph different contexts.
• Personal Project: Students are expected to follow a more individual and personalised path to develop student’s strengths and interest. Example themes include Kaleidoscope, Distorted, Gothic and Perspective.
• Final piece based on cities: Students should create a personal and meaningful response to the theme in a 10 hour controlled assessment.
KS5 Overview
Churchdown has a fantastic reputation for art courses and the facilities are excellent with opportunities to work with artists and art professionals. The exam results have been consistently high with regular exhibitions and workshops in the purpose built gallery, the Curve.
The course is structured to ensure you make the best use of your time, the school’s facilities, gallery visits and staff expertise. The Art and Design department staff aims to make the whole experience rich, varied and enjoyable and progress is closely monitored at all times. Trips to museums, galleries and studios are organised.
Art: Fine Art
Introduction Project- Students are invited to select and research one of the following themes before commencing their A-Level studies: Boundaries, Coast, Discard, Disguise, Macro Micro, Reflections, Twisted Tangles Torn. Students are introduced to fine Art with a number of workshops which develop their skills in drawing, painting, printing and photography to an A level standard in response to their chosen theme. Students are also taught the analytical and written skills needed for the course.
Coursework Portfolio - This is a practical portfolio with supporting contextual research in where students are expected to develop a personal response to their chosen theme leading to a final outcome completed over 15 hours. Students are required to work on personal themes and starting points, exploring, researching and developing skills and techniques.
Related Written Study- An essay of approximately 3000 words is produced exploring the genre, subject matter, movement or historical framework of the project.
Externally Set Task Students are expected to select one starting point from a pre-release paper and have up to ten weeks to plan and prepare for a final piece based around their chosen starting point. Students prep work will be submitted and make up 75% of the mark.
Photography
Areas of study include: Use of cameras, lighting and exposure, digital technology and understanding traditional techniques.
Introduction Project- through this project students are taught the ability to explore formal elements of visual language; line, form, colour, tone, pattern, texture, in the context of photography. Students learn how to respond to the theme through the exploration of traditional and contemporary photographers. They develop a range of skills in digital manipulation including Photoshop and physical manipulations using weaving, slicing, collage and mixed media responses.
Coursework Portfolio - This is a practical portfolio with supporting contextual research in where students are expected to develop a personal response to a chosen theme leading to a final outcome completed over 15 hours. Students are required to work on personal themes and starting points, exploring, researching and developing skills and techniques.
Related Written Study- An essay of approximately3000 words is produced exploring the genre, subject matter, movement or historical framework of the project.
Externally Set Task Students are expected to select one starting point from a pre-release paper and have up to ten weeks to plan and prepare for a final piece based around their chosen starting point. Students prep work will be submitted and make up 75% of the mark.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
• After School / Catch up Clubs – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday A1, A2, A3 A4 and A5
• Exhibitions in the Curve Gallery – KS3 Celebration Show and GCSE and A Level Exam Shows.
• Art House Event Competition
• Artists workshops –linked with gallery exhibitions
• Links with the Wilson – Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery
• Links with the University of Gloucestershire Art Department – Sixth Form Enrichment
Trips
• London Galleries – Tate, National, Saatchi, Victoria and Albert. A-level
• Black Country Museum –Year 10 and 12 photography
Next steps or where the subject leads
Many of our students gain places at Colleges of Art and Universities enabling them to further develop their studies, ultimately to follow rewarding careers in the field of Art and Design. Typically students undertake a yearlong Foundation Course at Gloucester College or Stroud College then proceed to one of more than 100 different Art and Design courses throughout the country. Others move directly to vocational courses or into employment. Examples of possible routes - +Architecture, Illustration, Film, TV, costume, Set design, Graphics, Advertising, Interior Design, Textiles and Sculpture.
Student Gallery Virtual Tour
Usually at the end of year we invite the students and parents along to a private view of the exhibition to show off their great efforts and achievements. Whilst lockdown put a hold on that, we would now like to invite you all to view our exhibition in the new virtual world of 2020.
Useful Links
http://www.art2day.co.uk
http://www.saatchigallery.com
http://www.tate.org.uk