Art and Design

Welcome to our Art department! We are all about nurturing creativity and right from the start, we set projects that encourage students to generate ideas and to continually develop their skills. Our projects have been designed so that students practice drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking through exciting themes that often link with learning in other subjects such as the work looking at the religious narrative content of Matisse’s work.

Throughout their artistic journey, students learn to think critically, research, analyse, and generate ideas. As they advance, they gain more control over their projects, allowing their coursework to reflect their unique views, opinions, and beliefs. Join us and let your creativity flourish in our Art department!

Mr Mark Attlesey, Head of Art

Key stage 3 Years 7-9

During the first three years at St. Augustine’s, students learn to explore their ability and creativity through project based work.

The projects are designed to introduce key skills, develop ability and are used to learn about the role that art plays in society. Recent themes have had a cross-curricular leaning such as the Native American Art project in year 8 that complements their project work in History. There is an emphasis on developing drawing skills and students are taught how to approach drawing for different purposes (for example drawing from direct observation). This Is developed further through homework tasks. As with exam groups, students are taught how to analyse and interpret works of art, through practical study. Connections are made to career paths, especially in the year 9 Illustration project.

GCSE

The Art GCSE course is aimed at students who enjoy developing their creativity through experimenting with different materials and exploring ways of communicating their views and ideas through art. Students are encouraged to take a personal approach to their studies and should become increasingly independent over the course. The main aim of the course is to build a creative portfolio of work that can be used to progress to further study of Art. Many life skills are covered by this course not least the ability to manage a creative project, to problem solve and to be reflective of ones' work. The Art GCSE will build skill, knowledge and understanding, and promote creative self-discovery.

A Level

The A Level Art course is about deepening personal interest and refining practical and creative skills through sketchbook journals, study sheets and by making final pieces. The course encourages personal, creative and imaginative approaches to Art. The course allows each student to follow their own tutored program of study. This helps students to challenge themselves to achieve the highest quality that they can. Students learn various, formal ways to approach drawing studies, and use a broad range of creative processes and techniques to generate a substantial body of work.

Art A level

Curriculum delivery

Key stage 3            1 hour per week

GCSE                      5 hours per fortnight

A Level                   9 hours per fortnight