Art & Design
Art is an integral way of understanding and responding to the world around us: Art and Design at St Columba’s allows students to think freely about their cultural interests and feelings.
Here, they can engage with techniques, artists and genres to inform their own practice and to widen their understanding of artistic tradition, culture and personal identity in a playful but rigorous learning environment.
Imagination is the source of every form of human achievement.
Ken Robinson
Students are challenged to have high expectations of their work, to think independently and to share good practice with their peers, discovering new techniques and taking risks in their artwork. We offer a range of exciting projects that aim to inspire and foster creativity, with teachers working around students’ ideas and responding appropriately to all levels of ability and enquiry. In 2020, students showcased their work in a Virtual A Level Art Exhibition:
Art, Craft & Design: Senior
Course Description
We aim to unlock hidden talents and extend artistic skills in all our students. Our hope is that at some time during their education they experience joy in expressing themselves visually and have the confidence to make personal responses to the themes and artists they research in all the projects we deliver. The Art Department welcome all students to extend their skills and learning outside of lessons during lunch and after school.
Curriculum Overview
Form 1 -They have a double lesson each week and explore a range of media through painting, printmaking and sculpture.
Form 2 – have a single lesson each week and explore a range of media through painting, printmaking and sculpture.
Form 3 – students elect to take the subject and have two lessons a week explore a range of media through painting, printmaking, sculpture and digital art.
GCSE – Exam board is Pearson Edexcel.
Students complete two coursework projects worth 60% of the overall grade and an externally set exam worth 40% of their overall grade.
A-Level – Exam board is Pearson Edexcel.
Students complete a two year course comprising of a personal investigation and personal study (essay) worth 60%, and an externally set exam worth 40%.
What are the unique selling points of studying this subject at St Columba’s College?
Beautifully presented newly refurbished studios. A large kiln. Photography dark room. Screen printing, sculpture and painting materials and facilities.
How are the students assessed?
Students are assessed verbally in a formative way and have regular written formative assessments from teachers and their peers. Each term students receive a summative assessment.
Home Learning
Home Learning is once a fortnight and is a variety of research and skills based tasks for lower school.
GCSE are expected to complete 1-2 hours a week outside of lessons.
A-Level are expected to complete 4 hours outside of lessons.
How can parents/guardians support their child’s learning?
Talking regularly with son/daughter about what they are learning. Taking them to exhibitions and photoshoots.
Useful Links
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j
