Art & Design
Introduction
The main aim of the course is to impart a basic knowledge and understanding of Art and Design through the practice and study of the language, techniques and forms of the visual arts.
The philosophy governing the course is principally Formalist, emphasising the necessity to organise and structure the elements giving visual form to ideas, topics, etc in an aesthetically satisfactory way. Investigative, expressive and intellectual approaches are undertaken.
Lower School
In the first three years at Kirkham Grammar School, pupils experience a variety of approaches to Art, primarily based around the work of modern artists. During each school year a number of themes and topics are covered using various media. These are shown by year group. Trips to galleries is a vital part in pupils' visual education with all year groups visiting galleries.
First Year:
Colour Abstracts using the colour wheel, linking to the work of Kandinsky and Delauney, with musical connections and colour composition.
The study of natural forms with an introduction to various uses of media, introduction to direct source drawing. Use of sketchbook/introduction to simple printing techniques.
Investigate Typology links with letters and shape.
Second Year:
Explore the Art Movement, Cubism and the development of still life studies.
Using insects as a theme, explore drawing, mark marking, print making and junk/re-cycled objects to create a 3D structure.
Third Year:
An in-depth exploration of Identity looking at the working methods of artists including Chuck Close (painter), Stanley Chow (Graphic Designer) and photography. Using personal research skills and experimentation, pupils use sketchbooks in preparation for GCSE working methods.
Work from the three year groups can be seen primarily in the Junior Studio throughout the year.
Middle School
Art
Board: AQA
Fine Art and Photography
Art at GCSE builds on the experiences and confidence gained from the previous three years at Kirkham Grammar School.
At the centre of our teaching is a belief that the best art comes from imaginative and thoughtful interpretation of first hand visual experience. How you think about a subject changes the way you see it and drawing is the evidence of your thoughts. The development of your visual literacy, your ability to see, observe, record, investigate, imagine, relate and display imagery is our aim. Skills of problem solving and research, inventive playfulness and critical thinking are required and assessed.
The historical and social context of art making is important and relationships are made from the start between pupils' work and the work of other artists, photographers and designers.
We offer a broad course with teaching in painting, photography and graphics, centered on drawing, and
Field trips include visits to major cities in the UK.
Senior School
Art
Board: AQA
Fine Art and Photography
The main aim of the course is to impart a basic knowledge and understanding of Art and Design through the practice and study of the language, techniques and forms of the visual. Photography and Fine Art are the two courses on offer.
The philosophy governing the course is principally Formalist, emphasising the necessity to organise and structure the elements giving visual form to ideas, topics, etc in an aesthetically satisfactory way. Investigative, expressive and intellectual approaches are undertaken.
A wide range of materials and techniques in two and three dimensions is utilised in investigative, intellectual and expressive modes of working. Art appreciation is a significant element. A field trip to a European city to draw and photograph the city is a particularly exciting aspect of the course that directly links with the examination element. Previous trips have been to Berlin, Florence, Paris, Rome, Siena and New York.
Co-Curricular
Trips to galleries is a vital part in pupils' visual education with all year groups visiting galleries. Previous trips include North West galleries, city trips to Berlin, Florence, London, Paris, Rome, Siena and New York.
Sixth Form
The main aim of the course is to impart a basic knowledge and understanding of Art and Design through the practise and study of the language, techniques and forms of the Visual Arts. The two areas of study on offer are Fine Art (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and video) and Photography (portrait, street, landscape, documentary and photo‑journalism).
The Course
This is personal, individual study where students will be given the responsibility for directing their own learning and project management as the course progresses. Emphasis is on the thinking, essential to creative development. A wide range of materials are utilised in investigative, intellectual and expressive modes of working, ranging from Drawing and Painting to Photography.
Critical Studies is a significant element with opportunities to visit galleries both in Britain and abroad. A four day field trip to a major European city in March/April for the external assignment as well as opportunities to visit Manchester, Liverpool and London. The Department has a very well stocked library of books, journals and DVDs.
To complement the Fine Art Studio, students have access to a suite of iMac and iPads running various software applications.
Students choose one of the titles below for study:
- Fine Art
- Photography
A Level
Component 1: Personal investigation
- No time limit
- 96 marks
- 60% of A Level
Non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.
Component 2: Externally set assignment
- Preparatory period + 15 hours supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of A Level
Non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.
Component details:
Component 1: Personal investigation
This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.
The investigation must be informed by an aspect of contemporary or past practice of artists, photographers, designers or craftspeople.
The written material must confirm understanding of creative decisions, providing evidence of all four assessment objectives by:
- clarifying the focus of the investigation;
- demonstrating critical understanding of contextual and other sources;
- substantiating decisions leading to the development and refinement of ideas;
- recording ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions by reflecting critically on practical work;
- making meaningful connections between visual, written and other elements.
The written material must:
- be a coherent and logically structured extended response of between 1000 and 3000 words of continuous prose;
- include specialist vocabulary appropriate to the subject matter;
- include a bibliography that identifies contextual references from sources such as: books, journals, websites, through studies of others' work made during a residency or on a site, museum or gallery visit;
- be legible with accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar so that the meaning is clear.
Students must identify and acknowledge sources which are not their own.
Component 2: Externally set assignment
Separate question papers will be provided for each title. Each question paper will consist of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one and they will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date.
Careers
Every year students from Kirkham Grammar School go on to art-based careers:
Advertising and Information Design
Computer Animation
Exhibition Design
Fashion and Clothing Design
Film and Animation
Fine Art
Furniture Design
Graphic Design
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Leather and Footwear Design
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Textiles and Surface Pattern
Theatre Costume and Set Design