Subject Intent 

This course is for anyone who loves being creative. You will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of two dimensional and/or three-dimensional media, processes and techniques. You will be made aware of both traditional and new media. During the course you will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. You may use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin your work where appropriate. AT DCS our FAITH values are fully embedded into the course.

Fellowship: students will have the opportunity to collaborate whether this be helping one another out with techniques and processes, organising exhibitions/displays and being able to give constructive feedback and student critiques to one another. Students are also encouraged to support KS3 Art lessons as part of their Endeavour programme.

Aspiration: Always aspiring to be the best version of themselves. Students are encouraged to work independently in their dedicated Art space to improve their work and to learn new processes and techniques and apply this to their practice.

Integrity: Students are given responsibility for their own learning space, equipment and materials. Students can borrow equipment and materials and will understand the importance of looking after them.

Tenacity: Students will demonstrate tenacity through a series of unfamiliar workshops, processes and techniques and learn the importance of risk taking and working out of their comfort zones.

Humility: Students will demonstrate this value through listening to other people's views and opinions and supporting one another. 

 

Staffing

Amanda Gibson Head of Art/Second in Creative Technologies

a.gibson@derbycathedralschool.org.uk

 

Homework and Assessment

Students will complete component 1 – A Personal Investigation which is worth 60% of their overall grade. This is started usually in the Easter term of Year 12 and continued through to February of Year 13. Component 2- externally set assignment is started in February of Year 13 and is completed with a 15-hour examination in May. This is worth 40% of the student's overall grade. Students are assessed against 4 assessment objectives with a weight of 25% each.  

A01- Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. 

A02- Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops. 

A03- Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.   

A04- Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements. 

Assessment objectives (AOs) 

Component 1 weighting (approx %) 

Component 2 weighting (approx %) 

Overall weighting of AOs (approx %) 

AO1 

15 

10 

25 

AO2 

15 

10 

25 

AO3 

15 

10 

25 

AO4 

15 

10 

25 

Overall weighting of components 

60 

40 

100 

 

Students will be expected to complete any research, development work, experimentation and enhancing their skills and techniques as part of their homework. During the skills-based workshops in Year 12, homework is given on a weekly basis and this can include:

  • finding relevant sources to support classwork 
  • photography work 
  • presenting their outcomes in their sketchbooks 
  • annotations 
  • improving classwork 

When students move onto their personal investigation, students will be expected to conduct all their own research. Students will follow the 4 elements of the Design cycle which include: Gather, Observe, Experiment and Respond. With the help of their teacher students will be responsible for conducting Artist research, gathering sources and relevant material, completing observational studies, experimenting with different process, materials and techniques relevant to their intentions.

 

Independent Study and Revision

Students are fortunate enough to have access to their own Art room and will be expected to work in there during free study sessions and after school. Students have the freedom to work in their designated space at any point during the day around their normal timetabled lessons. 

 

Subject Enrichment

There are opportunities to work alongside visiting Artists. This year students in year 12 had the opportunity to work alongside the Artist Ian Murphy for the day. Students have also had paintings on display at Derby Cathedral as part of their remembrance service and we have plans for students to work on site in different locations with a possibility of having further work on display. Students will also visit other cities to view artwork/exhibitions. 

 

Super-Curricular and Literacy

  • Sketch Your World: Essential Techniques for Drawing on Location: James Hobbs  
  • The Fundamentals of Drawing: A Complete Professional Course for Artists: Barrington Barber 
  • https://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blog/   
  • Interested in a career in the creative industry? Research creative courses at universities. 
  • Read about the Turner Prize- Who are this year's entries?  
  • Keep up to date with current affairs in the Art world.  
  • Sign up to an Art Mooc to enhance your knowledge on a particular topic 
  • Painting tutorials- try to watch/learn as many different techniques as you can 
  • Sewing tutorials- Master the sewing machine 
  • Follow as many artists as possible that inspire you. This can be done via Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest etc. 
  • Create multiple Pinterest board to help with artist research/ideas. 
  • Visit as many galleries/exhibitions as you can. 
  • Contact an artist who inspires you to find out more about their work- ask them questions about their work to gain a better understanding. 
  • Keep a small notebook/journal with you to jot down ideas and complete sketches. 
  • Take photographs when out and about to help with your 'Recording Observations'.