Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

Taking Art at the High School provides a journey of self-discovery through creative work, potentially changing your way of looking at the world and certainly affecting you long after you have gained your grades. Our course is designed to enable all students to produce practical and contextual artistic responses using a wide variety of media and techniques including drawing, installation, mixed-media and photography. Whatever their interests and strengths, students will be encouraged and supported in creating successful and individual outcomes. Year 12 begins with a foundation course set internally by the Art Department and designed to introduce students to a variety of materials, techniques and skills. Students produce a series of short tasks, linked by an overarching theme. The development of their foundation portfolio is further supported by regular life drawing sessions and visits to galleries. The foundation is set and marked internally. In the second half of Year 12, students will embark on their Personal Investigation. They will be encouraged to develop the areas in which they show most promise and interest. The theme and focus of their investigation must be identified independently by A-Level students in close liaise with teaching staff. It should show clear, sustained and in-depth development from initial intentions to final outcomes.