Art

Art is a vibrant and popular subject at Central Academy. Students are taught in our custom designed area which make excellent use of light and space. Students are highly engaged and enthusiastic. They can also take up Photography which is delivered in our Photography suite along with Art Textiles at GCSE and A Level.

In years 7 and 8, students are encouraged to look at a range of artists, art movements and cultures as they develop skills in line, tone, colour, pattern, shape and texture which they use throughout the key stage. Students explore a range of techniques, working with a variety of media and materials in preparation for Key Stage 4 courses. Regular assessments incorporating drawing and development skills are integrated into the curriculum using consistent criteria so students and staff can see progress.

In year 9, students undertake workshop style lessons to gain creative skills using a range of media, materials and techniques that they use as part of the design projects in their chosen endorsement of Art, Textiles or Photography. Contextual studies are integral to all projects with students looking at a variety of contemporary and historical artists.

In years 10 and 11, students have to complete two extended coursework projects, which consist of artist research, ideas and development which lead to creative final outcomes. In year 11 students undertake an external assessment which is a project from a series of starting points set by the exam board. Students must produce a timed final piece in exam conditions over 10 hours.

The A Level Art, Textiles and Photography courses are run through AQA. Students are given a broad design brief so they can explore a range of techniques in order to gain the skills and levels they require to achieve the required standard. The courses are now linear with an exam at the end of year 13. The course is made up of two components. Component 1 is coursework project work worth 60% of the overall mark, whilst Component 2 is an externally set assignment culminating in a 15 hour practical exam, with a 10 hour mock exam in year 12. There is a written element to the course which is compulsory and linked to pupils’ practical work.