Introduction

‘Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no Art’ Leonardo Da Vinci

Art, craft and design encourages creative thinking skills and develops visual literacy. Industry’s demands for an increasingly innovative and globally competitive workforce make learning in the subject ever more relevant to young people. The discipline of drawing is at the foundation of other skills in art. It is used as a tool, by which students can analyse, record and translate the world around them. Critical studies enhance and underpin practical teaching, where students engage with artists, designers and architects of contemporary and historically significant, as well as culturally diverse contexts. Analysing wider issues and concepts, developing critical thinking and imitating the processes, methods and media used by artists, inspire students to embrace their own creativity and individual self-expression.

Current Developments

Art is a thriving part of school, with exciting and inspiring lessons at Key Stage 3 involving drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles and 3D work. At Key Stage 4, students have the chance to further build on their skills and knowledge by taking up GCSE Art and Design or GCSE Digital Photography.  At Key Stage 5, students can choose between A level Fine Art or A level Photography. GCSE and A Level courses are endorsed by WJEC.

All GCSE and post 16 groups will visit a gallery in London as part of their examination studies.

We also invite into school a number of visiting artists to inspire students.
Students will have a chance to see their work displayed at different points in the year at the school’s open evenings, 6th form evenings and regular art exhibitions. There are plans to display student art work at events and external exhibitions in the future.

Years 8 and 9

Note that year 7 information for each subject is available here.

Year 8 students will look at mark making, surrealism and portraits with a combination of 2D and relief work. Lessons are interactive and fun, students will develop confidence by learning new skills lessons are delivered with demonstrations, examples and use of the IPEVO to show a new skill to a class live.  Year 9 students will focus on individual artists and styles in preparation for GCSE, the overall theme is natural forms for the whole year, students will create both 2D and 3D lessons are interactive and fun, students will develop confidence by learning new skills lessons are delivered with demonstrations, examples and use of the IPEVO to show a new skill to a class live. They will refine further the skills learnt in Y8.

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

Whether or not our pupils decide to take up Art or an Art related career in the future, the Art Department at QK feels passionate about teaching students about the visual world in which we live. As such Art clubs and workshops are run all year round to support students with their work. In the past students have participated in workshops focusing on portfolio building and gallery study, as well as trips to some of the main galleries in London.

Art Work of the week