Statement of Intent

At St Gregory’s School our Art & Design curriculum provides endless opportunities to record, design and create. Each project builds on prior knowledge and practical skills culminating in a visual language and an understanding of the formal elements.  Students explore a range of processes including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics and sculpture within a meaningful programme. 

Our students thrive on one-to-one guidance and personalised challenge that underpins our everyday teaching.  Students routinely follow the design process, developing independent thinking through a sequence of experimental work towards an ambitious outcome.  Inspired by the work of historical and contemporary artists, encompassing diverse cultural influences, and first hand gallery experiences, our students critically analyse and express their own opinions with confidence.

By Year 10, St Gregory’s students are reflective, open minded and curious individuals who persevere with work that is challenging within a positive environment. Our students are visually aware and well prepared for the growing Creative industries.

Purpose

Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9, students work on two projects each year. The organisation of themes explored and the key set of objectives for each project gradually expand our student’s knowledge of the formal elements and their practical skills in building a visual language. The projects are informed by a wide variety of historical and contemporary artists. All projects follow the GCSE format and build on previous experience of each of the skill areas. This includes: recording observations, critical analysis of Artwork, developing ideas, critical review and refinement and the presentation of a personal response. Students develop their understanding of the formal elements of Art through the exploration of themes such as still life, portraiture and landscape. The emphasis on drawing from observation as a starting point and developing ideas using a wide range of processes and media provides a solid foundation within Fine Art in preparation for the GCSE course. This is further developed with the addition of life drawing from a professional model in the Sixth Form. Students document their developing ideas throughout their sketchbook and they are encouraged to take pride in this with careful presentation. Students develop an appreciation for the work of artists which is demonstrated by their influence on their own work and make connections through their studio practice.    

RECORD

All projects build from a foundation of drawing with a focus on the importance of working from observation. Photography is built into projects as a key method of recording. Students develop the skills to record their observations through annotation using a growing subject specific vocabulary.       

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Each project is informed by the study of appropriate artists and our visits to galleries offer students the experience of viewing Artworks at first hand. Group discussions provide the opportunity to unpick the meanings, purpose and visual qualities.  Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of artist’s ideas and concepts, identifying how meanings are conveyed. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of cultures, beliefs and religions. Through their investigations they will research and explore the religious and non-religious beliefs adopted by a variety of cultures from around the world.  Students build the skills to describe and analyse Artworks and relate them to their own work. Practical responses to artist’s work inform their own understanding which in turn influences the development of practical outcomes. 

EXPLORE & DEVELOP IDEAS

Students experience project specific Fine Art techniques whilst building a set of work in which to explore and develop ideas.  Through a series of related pieces, students review their success in order to refine their idea as their project progresses. 

PERSONAL REPSONSE

Students conclude their exploration of the theme from the given starting point through to a personally developed outcome.  

Literacy

Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are embedded across the Art curriculum. Students engage with critical texts, artist statements, and the history of Art to develop subject-specific vocabulary and to deepen their understanding of concepts in Art. They are encouraged to analyse and interpret artworks and to articulate their ideas and opinions through participation in class discussions and written reflections.  Artist research tasks and sketchbook annotation exemplify the integration of literacy which enhances student's ability to structure their own thoughts and to communicate effectively about their own work and the work of others.