In art you get to express your creativity, which I find fun getting to try new things. I am enjoying photography as well because I've been trying things I haven't done before like going into the darkroom which was an interesting experience.    Ella Y10

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview

Year 7 - Throughout this year you will develop your ability to draw, paint and print using a wide variety of media and techniques. You will experiment with each of the formal elements and develop your understanding of other Artists as you create your sketchbook.

Year 8 - We start off working in collaboration with a Science department and the Protein Data Bank of Europe. Creating a body of work which explore the visual elements. Students have the opportunity to exhibit  and publish their final outcomes. Following this students will develop their ability to use different materials and techniques to create work, while exploring the environmental, Land-Art and recycled work of a selection of new Artists. During this project, you will develop the work for your Bronze level Art Award.

Year 9 - Throughout this year you will develop experiments based upon Artists and visual styles from different cultures, including Egyptian and/or Aboriginal culture. You will explore the work of contemporary Artists such as Banksy, Michael Craig-Martin and Shepard Fairey, and consider contemporary issues in British culture.

Year 7 Curriculum overview: You will develop your drawing skills using line, tone and mark making techniques in pencil, charcoal and pen and refine your observational drawing skills. You will experiment with different types of paint and develop your ability to apply colour theory through your paintings based upon natural forms and the work of Georgia O’Keefe. You will refine your ability to use printmaking techniques through mono print and Colorgraph experiments.

Year 7 Students learning will be assessed by: Sketchbooks will be continually assessed using appropriate criteria, with main assessments recorded once every half term. Students will be expected to respond individually to the feedback received and demonstrate a proactive approach to the development of their work.

Year 8 Curriculum overview: You will research the work of contemporary Artists who explore the environment in their practice. This will include two contemporary female sculptors who use recycled materials to create large scale pieces based upon natural forms. You will develop an understanding of the way Artists explore the subjects of environmental change and climate in their work. You will work with plastics, recycled materials and printmaking to create your work.

Year 8 Students learning will be assessed by: Sketchbooks will be continually assessed using AQA GCSE criteria, with main assessments recorded once every half term. Students will be expected to respond individually to the feedback received and demonstrate a proactive approach to the development of their work. Art Award work will be assessed at key points through specific assessment sheets and feedback will be given by your Art Award leader.

Year 9 Curriculum overview: In year 9 you will consolidate the techniques and processes you have developed in the previous two years, employing a wide range of drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media techniques in the development of your work. You will further refine your drawing skills through a series of drawing tasks, and will employ Photography techniques in the development of your ideas.

Year 9 Students learning will be assessed by: Sketchbooks will be continually assessed using appropriate criteria, with main assessments recorded once every half term. Students will be expected to respond individually to the feedback received and demonstrate a proactive approach to the development of their work.

GCSE Art in Years 10 & 11

Course Leader: Miss L Nichol
Contact Email: lnichol@tgschool.net
Examination Board: AQA
Assessment: 60% Coursework, 40% Examination

Why should I study this subject at Key Stage 4

There are many reasons to study art. Careers in the creative industry are one of the biggest growing sectors in the Uk. Studying Fine Art gives students opportunities for self-exploration and self-expression, the chance to broaden horizons, build mental focus, physical dexterity and resilience.

What does the course involve?

Students who chose Fine Art are keen to continue their creative journey and to learn more about art and art practices by experimenting with a wide range of materials, media and techniques. Students should be self motivated and have the ability to work independently and to meet deadlines. 

Over the two years students will produce work on two/three given topics or themes which will make up your ‘Personal Portfolio’ worth 60% of your final GCSE.

During the course you should expect to develop your art and design skills further through drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. You must show an understanding of historical and contemporary art work and be able to express yourself verbally and visually, as well as through written documentation in your sketchbook. 

Throughout your Fine Art journey you will research and analyse the work of others and use this to inform the development and refinement of your own ideas, leading to creative personal responses to the sources you have studied.

You will have a final project to undertake in Year 11 which is your ‘Externally Set Assignment’ and equates to 40% of your final grade; 10 hours of which you will use to produce a final outcome under controlled conditions.

Differences from Year 9

The GCSE will require a more individual and self-motivated approach. You will often be asked to collect research through drawing, making studies and taking photographs for homework.

Skills developed

A wealth of creativity, experimentation, self-evaluation and review will be seen as you develop your artistic pieces and portfolio. Your technical skills in a wide range of artistic techniques will also grow through the course.

Studying Art at Sixth Form

Students can study Art & Design, Photography and Textile Design at A Level here at Thomas Gainsborough School.

Department Staff

Mr E Clark (ECK) Assistant Headteacher Contact
Mr D Few (DFE) Teacher of Art & Design Contact
Miss L Nichol (LNI) Teacher of Art Contact
Mrs E Pearl (EPE) Technician Contact
Mrs N Potter (NPO) Technician Contact
Mrs F Raleigh (FRA) Head of Art Contact