Art & Photography

Welcome

Art and Photography is a practical subject which encourages students to learn about themselves and the world around them. Students learn about the visual qualities of different materials and how to manipulate them to create personal and engaging outcomes. In Year 7 and 8, we teach students how to use a variety of media and the different qualities of materials, which enables students to experiment and find ways of working that suit their artistic style. When students reach Year 9 they can personalise their projects further with a focus on how to structure their project and explore their own ideas. At Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, students are given the option to choose Art or Photography. There is an emphasis on the vocational nature of the subject, encouraging students to express themselves using a variety of media. Students develop their practical abilities whilst also developing their thinking skills and ability to respond analytically to aesthetics.

View artwork from our previous Art and Photography exhibition

Key Staff

Mrs Tidy - Acting Head of Department
Mrs H Owens (Head of Department - Mat Leave)
Mrs Aves - Teacher of Photography
Mrs Giles - Teacher of Art and Photography
Mrs Sarah Brosnahan - Photography and Art Technician

Key Stage 3

Curriculum Intent

In this ever-increasing visual world, it is important for everyone to learn how to communicate their ideas effectively. We aim to develop creative learners, who are confident in expressing themselves independently to develop personalised responses using visual media.

Students in Years 7 and 8 are introduced to a range of skills and media, allowing them to use art as a creative outlet. They work through six projects that have varying themes as starting points; ‘Colour’, ‘Tone’, ‘Ceramics’, ‘Printmaking’, ‘Graphics’ and ‘3-Dimensional’.

Projects in Year 9 become more self-directed with students being encouraged to respond to a theme in individual ways so that they can develop their own ideas and respond to the starting points to create personalise responses.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Map Skills Learnt - Year 7 & 8 Skills Learnt - Year 9

Summary Curriculum Plans

Assessment Bands
Students will follow national guidelines throughout Key Stage 3 to support and prepare them for their Key Stage 4 courses. The school operates a banding system of 1-9 (9 being the highest band). Students will be given a target based on their Key Stage 2 scores and baseline assessments on arrival at Edgbarrow. The band they are awarded at the end of the Key Stage is intended to be indicative of the grade they may achieve at GCSE.

FOR YEAR 7 & 8 ONLY: We have recently changed how we track progress in Key Stage 3. The new format is currently in operation with Years 7 and 8 only. In each subject, students are given one of three progress bands: foundation, intermediate and higher. These bands are based on Key Stage 2 scores, as well as evidence gathered by class teachers. Throughout Key Stage 3, students will be judged to be meeting, exceeding or below expectations for their given band. The headline criteria for each of these bands can be found below, as well as a short presentation explaining the new assessment and reporting format. Key Stage 3 Assessment Video

Years 7 & 8 Assessment Bands