Art

We want students to experience art which will open their eyes to the highly visual world we are surrounded by. We want to cultivate and nurture their love of art through interpreting imagery, emotional reactions to art, problem solving and the pure joy of using their hands to create art. Post-16 we want students to leave GHS as cultured and confident individuals who can colour inside the lines but who are also able to break free from the constraints of line to create work that is truly unique.

The Art department at Golborne High School is made up of individual teachers each with their own unique specialism in Art. Our art curriculum has been designed to ensure our pupils are excited by the topics, enthused by the practical tasks and inspired to produce wow-factor outcomes.

We aim to instil confidence and independence in pupils, enabling them to take ownership of their work and respond using the skills and techniques they have learnt during each topic.

Throughout their journey, pupils will learn a wide variety of new skills and have the opportunity to explore a range of media. We want to give our pupils the tools to enter the wider world as academically, morally and socially enriched young people. We believe that this provides a sound platform of knowledge and skills for pupils who wish to further their studies in one of the GCSE courses we offer from year 10. We hope pupils will acquire an appreciation and affection for the Arts which will continue to enrich their lives.

We believe that every student has the potential to be brilliant. We believe individuality should be celebrated. At Golborne, we aspire to deliver an innovative, unique and inspiring Arts curriculum in Art and Design and Photography.

KS3

In year, 7, 8 & 9 students receive a broad and balanced curriculum over the 3 years with specialisms including Art, Craft and Design, 3D Art, Fine Art and Photography. We have developed a rich curriculum that goes beyond the requirements of the National Curriculum and encompasses historical roots from cave drawings to modern contemporary artists.

Year 7 is based on the fundamentals of a Foundation year, learning core skills and building on prior knowledge ensuring pupils develop confidence in their own abilities. Skills covered in year 7 are practising with pencils, colour theory and 3D design through cardboard relief and clay. Topics covered are sea life, mythical creatures and Art through the ages.

The fundamentals of year 8 are based on an Experiment and Exploration of materials, enabling students to revisit prior knowledge and develop skills, making more informed choices when selecting materials for their projects. Topics covered this year are portraits, Steampunk and Portraiture through the Art eras.

The fundamentals of year 9 are based on an Establishing year, ensuring pupils have the prior knowledge and understanding to explore themes more in-depth and with an independent flair. During year 9 we cover big topic questions such as Architecture, British values through graffiti art and Modern artists linked to the projects.

KS4

60% - Unit 1 Coursework
40% - Unit 2 NEA Final examination (10 hours)

AQA GCSE Art and Design and GCSE Photography start the course in year 10 with pupils working on a teacher-led project, this year topics are natural forms in art and design and manipulated portraits in photography. The second unit one project will be selected by the pupils from a selection of past exam questions. Students will work more independently through their own investigations into the theme for the second project with teacher support and guidance.

In year 11 pupils will reflect, refine and adapt unit 1 projects before starting their unit 2 exam, where they will respond a personally selected exam question from the choice on the AQA exam paper. Pupils will follow an independent course of study in preparation for a 10-hour timed exam. The exam is entirely practical, and pupils will produce artwork in response to the question during this timed session.

Extra-Curricular

The department is committed to providing extra learning opportunities at Key Stage 3 with regular lunchtime clubs, specialist workshops, competitions and twilight sessions which are popular and very well attended. At KS4 alongside lunchtimes, twilight and period 6 session, we have an art residential this year to the Conway Arts centre and a Summer Yorkshire Sculpture park day trip. All work produced during these extra-curricular trips will be used as part of the GCSE course.

 Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up - Pablo Picasso

 A picture is a poem without words - Quintus Horatius Flaccus ‘Horace’

Art Gallery