KS4

At KS4, students have the opportunity to study Art & Design, Graphic Communication and Photography GCSEs. The prior learning from KS3 is built upon, continuing to develop the foundational skills learnt in developing ideas, recording observations and producing own responses. Work is project based, with each endorsement having its own generic guideline sheets to follow. Regardless of the endorsement, students take an independent approach to their studies, with teachers acting as mentors and guides through the process. Individuality is something that is celebrated and students cover a variety of themes and techniques building on their interests. ArtZone is available after school to support students further in developing their creative practice, and regular competitions and visits to galleries support the development of creative thinking.

At Key Stage 4, students develop both technical confidence and creative vision through digital photography. They learn to control camera settings, lighting, composition and digital editing while exploring how photographers communicate ideas, emotions and narratives. Students investigate the work of historical and contemporary photographers before producing increasingly personal responses through experimentation and refinement. The curriculum develops visual literacy, creative confidence and independent thinking, enabling students to create meaningful photographic outcomes with technical accuracy and artistic intention.

KS5

Students at KS5 are expected to be highly independent learners and build on their prior learning from studies at KS3 and 4. Art & Design, Graphic Communication and Photography are popular A level choices and provide students the opportunity to explore, expand and consolidate technical skills, developing exciting independent work as a response to themes and briefs. A level courses in Art & Design enable students to work both independently and collaboratively, building critical thinking skills and presentation skills, all important skills that transfer to society and workplaces across professions. The courses facilitate degrees in the creative industries and many students go on to study creative courses at university and work in this field successfully.

At Key Stage 5, students become independent photographic practitioners, combining advanced technical skills with conceptual enquiry. They explore personal themes through sustained investigations, using photography as a medium for communication, storytelling and artistic expression. Students critically engage with photographic theory and contemporary practice while refining their use of camera techniques, lighting, editing and presentation. Through experimentation, reflection and ambitious portfolio development, students produce professional-quality work that prepares them for higher education and careers within photography, visual arts and the creative industries.

Art & Design develops students’ imagination and gives them the chance to experiment and take risks.  It also enables them to develop an understanding of the context of art and its place in our society. To assist with this, a range of trips and visits to galleries take place, including visits to local museums, London galleries and abroad in the Sixth Form. Many students proceed to a career in Art & Design and our strong alumni network contributes to the learning and development of students in school.

GCSE Overview

Students are taught the following topics in Years 9 to 11:

Across KS4 subjects in the Art & Design department, students are taught skills in exploring research, developing ideas, working across relevant medias and processes, reviewing and refining work and presentation techniques. Skills vary according to the endorsement and students’ personal interests as they develop their work. However, foundational skills are taught in each subject as follows:

Photography foundational skills:

• Digital SLR camera techniques (exposure, white balance, focus points)
• Lighting, using studio lighting and ambient natural light
• Composition in photography
• Creative Digital editing (Adobe Creative Suite)

Year 9

• Camera basics, including Aperture, Shutter Speed, White Balance and ISO.
• Sets, Segments and Sequences

Year 10

• The Face (Portraits in studio and natural lighting)
• Locations (Street, documentary and Fashion location photography)
• The Final Chapter (Self-led personal investigation)

Year 11

• The Final Chapter (Self-led personal investigation)
• Externally Set Unit (From January until final assessments)

A-Level Overview

Students are taught the following topics in Years 12 and 13:

Students taking A Level Photography spend time developing their independent practice through their chosen mediums. In Year 12, terms 1 and 2 are used to build foundational skills at A level to support students in developing their own creative practice. They learn how to address the assessment objectives with some tailor-made lessons before branching off and becoming more independent, taking risks and developing skilful and imaginative work. Students regularly present work in exhibitions in the department and learn how to build on their practice through critiques and tutorials. A range of foundational skills are taught in each subject, thereby allowing students to grow and develop deeper skills based on their personal interests.

Year 12 term 1 : Summer project

Year 12 term 2 & 3 : Personal investigation (self led topics), Related study essay

Year 13 term 1 : Personal investigation (self led topics)

Year 13 term 2 & 3 : Externally Set Unit (from Feb onwards, set by OCR Exam board)

Across key stages, students have the opportunity to explore the world around them. In Art & Design, we give students the chance to engage with art in the real world through a range of visits to museums and galleries.

• Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford (KS3)
• Oxford Photography Trip (KS4)

  Students are encouraged to visit following Galleries and events to inspire their work and reflect on the work of others.

• Photographers’ Gallery, London
• Royal Academy College of Art, London
• National Portrait Gallery, London
• Commercial Galleries, London
• A range of degree show exhibitions, London

In Art & Design there are many opportunities for students to participate in the wider life of the school. Students support work in creation of graphic promotional materials, recording for events, photographing events and exhibiting their artwork around the school site.

Students have the opportunity to enter competitions, such as the Rotary Club Annual Photography competition for young photographers and the Royal Academy Young Artist competition, amongst others.

ArtZone is run after school throughout the week to enable space and time for students to experiment, grow their skills and work alongside their teachers.