Art

We believe that an important part of a child’s development comes through play and being able to draw and paint what they see when maybe they cannot express it in words.

All children have the same opportunities to achieve in Art regardless of their artistic ability.  In order to promote this belief, children are encouraged to use sketchbooks to explore and investigate an idea.  They are taught to be independent thinkers and by being shown how certain materials work, they can make their own decisions for creative compositions.

The main aims of the art department are to encourage children to explore and develop and idea, to be creative and enjoy all aspects of the subject.

By the end of their time here, children should be able to collect and gather information in their sketchbook in order to help them explore an idea.  They should understand how they could use the information gathered to help them plan a composition for a piece of artwork.  Using their knowledge of materials and processes they will be able to make informed decisions about what they will use to create a piece of work.  They should be able to understand the importance of constantly reflecting on the progress of their work and be able to adapt and modify it accordingly.

Art is taught in blocks of half a term.  Each block of work has a specific theme, for example, portraits.  Within that theme, different aspects of Art will be covered to incorporate all the basic elements; drawing, painting, printing, 3-dimensional work, collage, textiles, use of tone and form and the principles of colour mixing.

Year 8 Artwork

Design & Technology

All children are curious about the world around them.  They are keen find out how and why certain things have been made.  We encourage children to have an enquiring mind and seek to help them find solutions to design problems that are put to them.

Children will be taught about the process of designing and making a product.  They will be encouraged to research an idea and develop it through to manufacturing the finished product.  Skills will be taught through focused practical tasks.  These skills can be built upon each year, thus enabling the child to be fully confident in being able to make what they have designed.  An important part of designing and making is being able to evaluate the finished product and make critical judgements about what is good or what needs to be changed if the product was made again.  This skill is also enforced by looking at existing products and analysing how they have been designed and identifying the materials that they have been made from.

The main aims of the Design and Technology department are to encourage children to explore the world around them and to teach them the skills to help them design and make successful product.

By the end of their course, children should be able to design and make a product following a recognised route, from identifying the design problem to manufacturing and evaluating the success of the finished product.  Using the principles of product analysis, they will be able to look at everyday products and make informed judgements about the merits of their design.  They should also be able to apply the basic principles of the design and making process to many other projects that they do.