Art and Photography – City Academy Norwich

INTRODUCTION

In art we seek to provide an effective learning environment that is both stimulating and welcoming to all. We aim to offer a wide range of art activities and experiences which contribute to the creative, cultural, social, moral and individual development of students. The art department has created a positive environment with an open door policy for learning. We encourage individuality and originality, raising the self-esteem of students by valuing their ideas and opinions and celebrating individual and collective successes. We have an up-to-date learning environment where students have access to a wide range of materials and facilities.

KS3

We start Year 7 with a project that introduces students to the language of art. Students have the opportunity to use a variety of materials, tools and techniques, many of which they will not have used before. Students look at a range of different artists’ work and gain an understanding of the History of Art. They learn to form opinions on their own work and the work of others.

In Year 8, students build upon the skills learnt in Year 7, looking at different artists in detail and revisiting concepts, materials and techniques in a more complex way.

Year 7 projects include:

Urban Typography
Other worlds and other cultures

Year 8 projects include:

Mythical and Mysterious
Inventive architecture

KS4

Edexcel GCSE Art and Design

GCSE art and design is an experimental and creative course, where students have the opportunity to develop their skills in a wide range of different 2D and 3D materials and techniques.

Edexcel BTEC Art

The BTEC is a vocational qualification which prepares students for the working world of art and design. Students are given design briefs and then produce design ideas for a ‘client’ in the same way as an artist would in the real world. BTEC units include:

Unit 1. Specialist pathways in art and design
Unit 2. Creative project in art and design. This is a practical exam completed in the art room over a set period of time
Unit 3. Communicating ideas in 2D
Unit 4. Developing an art and design portfolio

Edexcel GCSE Photography

GCSE photography is an experimental and creative course where students have the opportunity to develop their skills in both traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques.

Coursework is 60% controlled assessment. These units are set by the teacher. Students keep several sketchbooks. The practical exam is worth 40% of the overall grade. Students are given an externally set theme for which they have eight weeks to prepare, culminating in a 10 hour practical exam spread over two days in the art room. There is no written exam. Students use a range of digital cameras and software including Photoshop. They also have the opportunity to develop images using chemicals in the Dark Room.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Students have the opportunity to access a wide range of enrichment activities including clubs, trips to galleries, exhibition opportunities, visiting artists and other creative ventures.

Throughout our curriculum we provide activities and opportunities for children to develop the skills they need to identify risks and stay safe. This is also extended to include material that will encourage our children to develop essential life skills.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES LINKED TO THIS SUBJECT

Careers include: architect, graphic designer, illustrator, web designer, animator, software developer, product designer, production artist, game designer, film maker, typographer, film editor, photojournalist, camera operator, cinematographer, fashion photographer, police photographer, wedding photographer, makeup artist, hairdresser, fashion designer, set designer, costume designer, printer, urban planner, landscaper, interior designer, silversmith, metalsmith, ceramist, publisher, teacher, restorer, historian, commercial artist, florist, tattoo artist.