The Art department at St Edmund’s consists of two spacious studios.

Art is a popular curricular subject and there are also a number of opportunities for extra curricular art based activities throughout the school and at all Key Stages.

Key Stage 3 - (Year 7, 8 and 9)

KS3 pupils at St Edmund’s are offered a broad and balanced art course providing them with the opportunity to develop their artistic potential and visual perception to the full, in line with the National Curriculum for Art.

Each year group produces 3 units of work per year.

Pupils are taught creative, imaginative and practical skills which enable them to:

Whilst developing their knowledge and understanding; pupils learn to use a wide range of media, tools and techniques effectively, and above all safely, with respect for good practice and in accordance with Health and Safety requirements. They are also introduced to the work of artists, craftspeople and designers as well as a range of historical and cultural influences.

Work is continually assessed with major assessment at the end of each unit.

At the end of Key Stage 3 pupils receive a final assessment and National Curriculum level.

Art is also offered as an examination subject at GCSE, AS and A Level. Acceptance on to each examination course will be subject to clear evidence of potential and commitment

GCSE - (Year 10 and 11)

GCSE Art follows the AQA ‘Unendorsed’ examination syllabus which is:

60% Coursework and 40% Controlled Test

Coursework: Pupils may submit 2, 3 or 4 units of coursework which should cover the full range of the Assessment Objectives.

Controlled Test: Pupils choose ONE question and have up to four weeks to prepare supporting studies. The final piece is produced during a 10 hour controlled test period. This work also should cover the full range of Assessment Objectives.

All the work is marked internally first and then moderated by the examination board.

A Level Art and Design

A Level Art and Design follows the AQA examination boards ‘unendorsed’ syllabus which is organised in two parts, AS and A2. (AS becomes 50% of A2 where students choose to continue their study).

AS

Unit 1 - Coursework 50% of total AS marks/25% of total A Level marks
Unit 2 - Controlled Test 50% of total AS marks/25% of total A Level marks

(8 weeks preparation and 5 hours controlled test)

A2

Unit 3 - Coursework 25% of total A Level marks
Unit 4 - Controlled Test 25% of total A Level marks

(8 weeks preperation and 15 hour controlled test)

All Coursework is set by the school and covers the full range of assessment objectives (the Controlled Tests are set by AQA) . All work is marked by the school and moderated by AQA.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of all Art courses from Year 7 through to Year 13. Good practice is established in Year 7 to develop independent learning and may involve activities such as research, collecting, creating art work etc to prepare for or support classwork. This is built upon throughout the key Stage.

For students taking Art at GCSE, AS or A Level homework is vital in development of their work and it is so important that they are prepared to make this level of commitment to enhance their chances of success.