Head of Department: Mrs Linney
Telephone: 01344 423041 ext 355
Email: klinney@brakenhale.bracknell-forest.sch.uk

Aims

The Art and Design department provides a broad and balanced experience of art, craft and design for all students within the school.  Art is a living subject and an intrinsic component of human culture.  There are great opportunities to look, discuss, analyse and evaluate not only within the context of Art, but as a means of personal expression.

Key Stage 3

Students are taught to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of communicating through visual language.  They enjoy a range of studies including the Elements of Art, Colour Theory, Expressive work, Observational skills, 2D/3D design and Art History.

The National Curriculum Levelling Guide for Key Stage 3
This document is available to all students and parents/guardians to back up homework, classwork and extra work. Students can further their attainment by understanding what they are working towards and being marked against, as explained in the Levelling Guide.

NB: Learning to use a sketchbook is a vital part of all KS3 work!

Key Stage 4

The GCSE course builds on skills from KS3.  Students are encouraged to be more independent in their learning, confidently recording observations, experiences and ideas; being able to analyse and evaluate images, objects and artifacts; developing and exploring ideas using media, processes and resources and finally presenting a personal response, realising intentions.

Students follow the AQA syllabus and are required to submit two, three or four units of coursework in the Unendorsed option.
Coursework = 60%  Controlled Test = 40%

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Post 16

The AS and A2 award is offered to students who wish to follow a course of integrated practical, critical and theoretical study using a variety of media and processes.  This will be supported by the use of sketchbooks, first hand experience of relevant works of art, craft and design and any other form of appropriate evidence.  A separate Controlled Test will be provided for each of the six Unendorsed options.

NB: Sketchbooks/work journals are a vital part of the course!

Teaching and Learning

Students learn through a variety of different teaching styles and methods.  Independent work and outcomes is usually adopted but there are opportunities for small group and whole class projects, where students can collaborate with others, on projects in two and three dimensions and on different scales.

The department endeavors to incorporate external influences, through working with professional artists and designers and within the local community.  Visits to museums and galleries are encouraged at KS 4 and 5.   The aim is to broaden their knowledge and understanding of a variety of genres, styles and traditions, and from a range of historical, social and cultural contexts.

Resources

There are lots of different materials for students to experiment with in both 2D and 3D. These include wire, clay, paint, pastels, charcoal, papier-mâché, chalks, card, textiles, formal objects and materials, laminated surfaces, and tissue. There is also a Art library for students' use.

Special Events

Special trips include visits to local galleries and exhibitions, and London Art Galleries.
Art Club is open to all Year 7 students on Wednesday after school.