Art & Design

In the Kindergarten (Foundation Stage) (ages 2 – 5) and in Key Stage 1 (ages 5 – 7), Art & Design begins as part of the Creative Development element of the curriculum. As one of the Early Learning Goals, Creative Development gives our youngest students many opportunities to use and develop their creative skills through art and craft, music, movement, stories and imaginative play.A wide range of tools and materials are provided to help them to express their ideas.

In Key Stage 2 in the Primary School (ages 7 – 11), Art continues with opportunities for students to learn skills and express themselves in a variety of media and forms, such as painting, model making, printing, drawing and sketching and textile work. Some form of artistic creativity is included in most aspects of the curriculum at this stage, and visual displays throughout the Primary School stimulate interest and enjoyment. Students also investigate a range of media and the work of particular artists. In Key Stage 2, Design and Technology is also introduced into the curriculum. In Design and Technology, students acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of materials and components, including food, textiles, resistant and mouldable materials, mechanisms and control systems, structures, quality issues and factors relating to health and safety. In Art and in Design and Technology throughout Key Stage 2 the students develop their designing and making skills, their creativity, and their initiative and innovation through designing and making.

In Key Stage 3 in the Secondary School, the UK National Curriculum (http://www.qcda.gov.uk/) for Art continues to be followed.

In Key Stage 4 in Years 10 – 11, students may choose to continue with Art and Design: Fine Art at GCSE level. A summary of the GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art syllabus, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 10 and 11 are provided in the IGCSE Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art may be found by visiting the Edexcel website (http://www.edexcel.com) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.

In Key Stage 5 in Year 12 the subject may be studied at GCE AS Level, and in Year 13 at GCE A Level. A summary of the GCE AS Level and A Level Art & Design: Fine Art syllabuses, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 12 and 13 are provided in the AS & A Level Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for AS and A Level Art and Design: Fine Art may be found by visiting the Edexcel website(http://www.edexcel.com) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.

The School’s annual Art Exhibition, showcasing students’ examination pieces, is highly regarded and a very well-attended event.