Art
The aim of the Art and Design Department is to encourage learners to participate in the visual world which surrounds them. Through drawing, painting, 3D, 2D and ICT skills, they develop an understanding of how we record from, design for, and comment on our environment, status, and culture. The pupil is developed as both practitioner and critic.
Curriculum
All pupils are taught Art during each year of Key Stage 3.
Themes are provided for each year group, viz. Y7 Identity, Y8 Rituals, and Y9 Women & Men in Society.
Teaching embraces research and investigation, thinking and problem solving, the study of art historical and contemporary artists’ works, intercultural references, use of media through processes and procedures, evaluation skills and use of ICT digital media and software with which to manipulate images.
Work is assessed using different methods – staff comments, teacher assessment levels, pupil comments on strengths and areas for further focus, peer marking; self evaluation is encouraged at all levels, and group criticisms are the norm. A student Index Sheet is provided giving each pupil firm ownership over assessed, outcome work and resultant progression in this subject during the course of the year.
At Key Stage 4 we follow the Edexcel GCSE unendorsed syllabus exploring a broad use of media; developing individual responses to broad themes such as ‘Inside’ or ‘Apart and/or Together.offer an option group for GCSE. This syllabus allows students to produce solutions in a range of media, although painting is most dominant. Responses to a theme are developed through a variety of strategies, towards Unit 1 – Coursework Portfolio which gains 60% of the total marks. During the Spring Term of Y11, work is developed towards Unit 2 – Externally Set Assignment (ESA) gives 40% of the marks available, and uses a theme set by the examining board. Structure and guidance are provided by well qualified staff.
At post 16, schools within the Consortium offer A level Art courses which are both unendorsed, and endorsed for Fine Art. Using Fine Art techniques and a range of procedures and media, including those processes in Art textiles and related Art practices.
The Consortium schools are following a two year linear course to A2 level, where a 3000 word essay is an additional requirement.
Guidance is given on Portfolio and Interview techniques for entry to leading Art establishments, and to those who wish to pursue a degree in the History of Art.
At Bishop’s Hatfield our students have successfully completed Degrees at Central St. Martins, Chelsea, Camberwell, London College of Fashion, Leeds, Newcastle, Bournemouth and other Universities, as well as local regional colleges.
MA’s have been completed in Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles, and Art Therapy.
Accommodation/Resources
There are two Art rooms, a kiln room, a photographic dark room, and a large Art Display area. There are six networked computers in each Art room; lightboxes, rotatrims, digital overhead projectors, drying racks, easels, and digital cameras. Equipment for a range of media both 2D and 3D, and a copier/scanner extend the range of equipment. There is a computer room next door with interactive whiteboard. A television is available for use.
A large range of Art text books has been built up, supported by a collection of themed postcards and other visual material.
Visits and Extra Curricular Activities
This year, the Royal Academy of Art Outreach Workshop, with practising artist as tutor and professional model, was invited in by the Art Department to give a highly paced insight into aspects of figure drawing. Resultant publicity of successfully completed works, gained the kind attention of our MP.
At Key Stages 3 and 4, we offer an Enrichment Club every week, investigating experimental use of Mixed Media.
During this time we are also beginning to produce individual entries for the newer Arts Award run by the Arts Council, at different levels, which students show enthusiasm for.
Extra curricular coaching for examination students, is available after school and during lunch time. Occasionally, a ‘studio’ morning is offered during the Easter or half term vacation.
Study days off site, are organised at various venues, including the Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and Saatchi Galleries. Lectures, given by practising artists, have been made available at the University of London.
Department staff encourage post 16 students in their EPQ (extended project qualification) entries, which often deliver art or design content.
The Art Department has made significant contributions to the gaining of the illustrious Artsmark Award at Gold Level – awarded to the school by the Arts Council for the last 15 years.