CURRICULUM SUBJECT

Art and Design

The Creative Arts are something we treasure at Maida Vale. Before it was Maida Vale School, the building’s top floor housed multiple art studios designed for professional use in the 20^th century. These studios were a scenic space for artistic expression, with large Victorian windows, high ceilings and a tranquil view across the rooftops. When the building was renovated in 2019, we wanted to honour its history as a creative space, turning these art studios into art photography classrooms. We hope the creative spirit of the building’s past still lurks in these classroom’s today, inspiring our students.

Art, Craft and Design offers pupils a chance to develop and nurture this life affirming activity, developing their own unique approach to the visual arts. Pupils will learn from teaching, peer learning, presentations, gallery trips, reflective reading and writing as well as visits from professional practitioners in the creative sectors. Pupils are encouraged to experiment and will have the opportunity to investigate and create work from at least two of the following areas listed below.

• Fine Art: drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, lens-/light-based media, photography and the moving image, printmaking, mixed media and land art.
• Graphic Communication: design for print, advertising and branding, illustration, package design, typography, interactive design, (including web, app and game), multi-media, motion graphics, signage and exhibition graphics.
• Textile Design: art textiles, fashion design and illustration, costume design, constructed textiles, printed and dyed textiles, surface pattern, stitched and/or embellished textiles, soft furnishings and/or textiles for interiors.
• Three-dimensional Design: architectural design, sculpture, ceramics, product design, jewellery and body adornment, interior design, environmental/landscape/garden design, exhibition design, designs for theatre, film and television.
• Photography: portraiture, location photography, studio photography, experimental imagery, installation, documentary photography fashion photography.

GCSE Art and Design

Examination Board: AQA

The following are important areas that are developed during the three year course.

• Developing technical drawing skills
• An understanding of photography
• Gaining an ability to think imaginatively and creatively
• Attending galleries independently and with school
• Attending workshops, artist visits and Art Enrichment
• Able to critically analyse own work and the work of others
• A growing and open mind with the confidence to take creative risks

The areas of study selected for Component 1 can be the same as, or different from, those selected for Component 2.  Pupils must explore, through a range of two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional processes and media, practical application of skills and relevant critical and contextual sources such as the work of contemporary artists, craftspeople and designers. They will learn and understand the different purposes, intentions and functions of art, craft and design as appropriate to their own work.

Component 1: Coursework Portfolio (60%) This is a sustained project, responding to a theme set by the school which evidences the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions. As well as practical work, this portfolio must demonstrate the research and critical study of the artists which connect with the chosen area of study.

Component 2: Exam (40%) This is a shorter project, where students respond to a starting point from an externally set paper. A preparatory period is then followed by 10 hours of supervised time in which to create a final outcome.

How will Pupils be assessed?

Both Pupils coursework and exam portfolios will be assessed using the following assessment objectives.

• AO1 (25%): develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
• AO2 (25%): refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
• AO3 (25%): record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions and demonstrate understanding of visual language.
• AO4 (25%): present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language