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Visual Arts

We aim to develop successful learners who are independent and enjoy learning.

We create opportunities for students to develop their creativity and imagination alongside an environment which takes individual needs and styles into account. We ensure that all students produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences. They will become proficient in 2D, 3D, digital and textiles techniques, as well as evaluating and analysing creative works using the language of art, craft and design.

Students will discover great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. They will develop a critical understanding of artists, architects and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform their own work.

Curriculum

Year 7

Art and Design
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Collage
  • Printmaking
  • Clay techniques
  • Digital techniques
Textiles
  • Decorative techniques
  • Technical machine and hand skills

Year 8

Art and Design
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Collage
  • Printmaking
  • Clay techniques
  • Digital techniques
Textiles
  • Exploring and experimenting with colour, pattern and texture in relation to traditional and recycled materials

Year 9

  • Develop a wider understanding and appreciation of Art or Textiles or Graphics through a broad and balanced introduction to the core skills, materials and techniques
  • Develop practical research and investigation skills
  • Develop an understanding of how artists and designers produce work for a specific purpose
  • Equip students with the skills and understanding required for progression on to Level 2 qualifications

Year 10

  • Develop transferable skills such as research, investigation and interpretation
  • Generate design ideas to solve creative problems
  • Use Art or Textiles or Photography or Graphics techniques to communicate ideas and intentions
  • Practise skills with materials, techniques and processes
  • Review progress and consider how to make improvements
  • Develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, time management and communication
  • Work on client-led briefs such as Liberty and Bradford Odeon

Year 11

  • Encourage personal development through practical participation in a range of Art or Textiles or Photography or Graphics disciplines
  • Develop a wider understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through a broad and balanced introduction to the core skills and knowledge necessary for work or further education in the visual arts
  • Explore, experiment with and learn how to use specialist materials and techniques relevant to set briefs
  • Learn about the specialist materials, techniques and processes
  • Learn how professionals research widely from different sources to gain inspiration and how this helps them to generate ideas
  • Experiment with a range of Art or Textiles or Photography or Graphics mark-making activities
  • Gain recording skills, learn how to work from primary and secondary sources and, by exploring 2D and 3D visual language, learn to generate and develop visual communication ideas successfully

Assessment

Art, Craft and Design

Exam Board: AQA
  • Component 1: Portfolio (worth 60%, internally assessed and externally moderated)
  • Component 2: Externally set assignment (worth 40%, externally set, internally assessed and externally moderated)

Art and Textiles

Exam Board: AQA
  • Component 1: Portfolio (worth 60%, internally assessed and externally moderated)
  • Component 2: Externally set assignment (worth 40%, externally set, internally assessed and externally moderated)

Photography

Exam Board: AQA
  • Component 1: Portfolio (worth 60%, internally assessed and externally moderated)
  • Component 2: Externally set assignment (worth 40%, externally set, internally assessed and externally moderated)

Enrichment Opportunities

For information on all our enrichment opportunities, please see our enrichment programme here.

Further Education and Careers

Courses you could study at university include:

  • 3D Design Crafts
  • Art & Design
  • Design
  • Fashion
  • Fine Art
  • Games Design and Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Marketing
  • Photography and Film
  • Product Design

Careers which require a Visual Arts qualification include:

  • Archivist
  • Arts Administrator
  • Clothing / Textile Technologist
  • Colour Technologist
  • Curator
  • Games Designer
  • Fashion Designer
  • Heritage Manager
  • Interior and Spatial Designer
  • Museum Education Officer
  • Textile Designer

Career Cards