Art & Design
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up” Pablo Picasso.
The art department at Fulford believes that art and design has a vital role to play in a world that is increasingly reliant on visual communication. We aim involve our pupils in activities which promote the ability to record, analyse and describe the appearance of things accurately, to convey information through visual imagery and to express ideas that have personal meaning. Young peoples’ involvement in the making of images and artefacts is important in developing their abilities to interact with many of the things that are an important part of their social and cultural environment.
We aim to support and challenge students in order that they can develop confidence, tolerance, cooperation and self- expression and to create an environment where creativity can thrive.
Staff
The department consist of a team of four very enthusiastic and committed art teachers, three of whom are part time. There is a wealth of expertise and experience in the department and staff have complementary skills and wide-ranging interests.
The Curriculum leader is Mrs Ann Finch.
(Contact: af@fulford.york.sch.uk)
Key stage 3
In years 7,8 and 9, pupils are working at Key Stage 3.
The art classes are taught in the same groups as English and music lessons.
In art and design pupils are guided through a programme of study which is designed to help broaden and deepen their knowledge, skills and understanding.
We begin, in year 7, with a collage-based project which is challenging, but fun and has been designed to be accessible to all pupils, whatever their ability.
Subsequent projects build on this by helping pupils to produce images, artefacts and other responses which are valuable and personal. They are encouraged to take risks and to explore and experiment with ideas, materials, tools and techniques. They will have experience of engaging with art from a range of cultures and times to expand their knowledge and to stimulate their own creative ideas. In year 9, the work is designed to be a positive experience for all, but is also preparation for those students who go on to study art and design at GCSE.
Key Stage 4
The GCSE Art and Design course covers a range of activities and in-depth assignments. There are opportunities to experiment with different media and techniques, in order to help students explore their own strengths and preferences. The exam (Edexcel) entails building up a comprehensive portfolio of work by exploring a range of topics to develop the students’ visual language skills.
The course consists of a ‘personal portfolio’ (coursework), which is worth 60% and an Externally Set Assignment, worth 40%. Students are guided closely through the first project, which begins with a visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The second project is equally well-structured, but encourages the students to be more independent. GCSE artists are encouraged to keep an open mind, be willing to experiment, take advice, work hard and to be ambitious about their art work. The end of year GCSE exhibition is always an inspirational culmination to the course.
Key Stage 5
At Fulford, we do the Edexcel GCE Art and Design: Fine Art. This consists of two levels; AS in year 12 and A2 in year 13. Both levels are made up of 60% coursework and 40% Externally Set Assignment. We cover a wide range of media and techniques, inspired by the work of other artists, and encourage our students to be ambitious and develop their own individual strengths.
We visit galleries in London in year 12, where students gather valuable information and insights.
Many of our A level students go on to Foundation courses and on to degree courses in a wide range of art and design related disciplines.
Extra Curricular
Students are encouraged to use the art department facilities at lunch times, acknowledging that art is a time-consuming subject. There is an Art club for year 9 on Thursday lunch times and extra sessions after school are offered running up to exam deadline times.