Art & Photography

In order to:

• Teach students how to think like artists
• Instil the love for learning
• Instil the love for art through open-ended, student-led projects
• Give context through Art History (artists/movements)
• Be better prepared for GCSE / A level art

We focus on:

• Fun of learning
• Exploration of a wide variety of art materials & techniques
• Encouraging experimentation
• Teaching art history (Chronologically)
• Creative careers
• Contemporary practices
• The building blocks/tools of art (The Formal Elements)
• The rules of art (the Principles of Art & Design)
• Presentation of work

This is what we do to achieve our objectives:

• The Formal Elements of Art & Design integrated into each project
• The Principles of Design integrated into each project
• Art history is taught to give context to each project
• Contemporary artists are included with each art history lesson to create real-life links
• Creative careers are highlighted and linked to individual projects
• Each project explores a different art medium/technique
• Each year, the techniques are scaffolded. For example, year 7s are introduced to printmaking through monoprints, Year 8s use foam plates to make prints and Year 9s use perplex to make etchings.

Teaching and learning take place in two light and spacious art rooms. The pupils can arrange to use these rooms during lunchtime Art Club. They are encouraged to use this time, space – and the available staff support – to develop personal projects, finish classwork and engage in creative activities for other subject areas (eg. making props for school productions or models for history projects). Independent learning is encouraged and all class/homework projects are designed such that there is ample space for each student to explore his interests and ideas.

Homework is set fortnightly and provides an opportunity for independent work and research. Tasks are always set with the aim of extending and reinforcing the students’ classroom learning.

Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Art and Design (1AD0)  Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Photography (1PY0)

Who this course is suitable for

This course is ideal for students who enjoy expressing their creativity, exploring innovative ideas, and working with a variety of artistic media and processes. It is perfect for those who wish to develop their practical skills, explore the history and theory of image making, and engage with in depth artistic concepts. If you’re curious about visual storytelling, experimenting with different techniques, and creating original works, GCSE Art and Design (choosing either Fine Art or Photography) will provide an enriching and inspiring experience.

What you will learn

GCSE Art and Design introduces students to a wide range of artistic techniques and media, including drawing, painting, photography (camera-less and digital) , installations, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking. In photography GCSE you will also learn digital tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator. You will study visual artists and relevant theory to inform your creative ideas, to develop personal projects that reflect your individual interests and skills. Themes such as ‘Hidden Worlds’ and ‘Ordinary and Extraordinary’ provide opportunities for unique exploration and expression.

How you will learn

Learning is hands-on and project-based, with a mix of workshop-style sessions and personal sketchbook coursework keeping. In Year 10, you’ll complete units designed to build your technical skills and creativity. Visits to Kew Gardens, galleries and workshops with professional artists will offer insights into the art world and allow you to see famous artworks firsthand. Year 11 focuses on a major coursework project and a final exam project, culminating in an exhibition of your work assessed by external moderators and the Art Department staff.

What you will need to bring

Students will need basic art supplies such as pencils, sketchbooks, and erasers. Specific materials for projects will vary and may include paints, brushes, or digital tools. These are provided at discount prices through the art department as packs that will be made purchasable through Parent Pay. Access to a camera or smartphone for photography projects is also helpful, and the school has photography equipment that may be borrowed as well.

How you will be assessed

Assessment is based on two components:

• Coursework (60%): This includes personal projects developed throughout the course, showcasing your exploration of media, techniques, and ideas.
• Final Exam Project (40%): A practical 10-hour examination where you create a finished piece based on a set theme, completed under controlled conditions.

Both components are evaluated through an exhibition of your work, marked by the Art Department and an external moderator.

Where next

GCSE Art and Design provides a foundation for A-levels in Art, Photography, or Design, and is valued by creative industries such as advertising, graphic design, animation, fashion, architecture, and game design.

Art (Fine Art)

Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Art and Design (9FA0)

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for students who have achieved grades 9 to 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) Art & Design and a good grade in English Literature or English Language is an advantage. It’s ideal for those aiming to pursue Art, Architecture, or Design at higher education. Universities require an Art portfolio for applications. However, Art A-level is also a great option for students who enjoy art and want to complement other subjects to show a creative skill set.

What you will learn

You will expand on skills from GCSE Art by developing your ability to research, analyze, problem-solve, and create personal and imaginative outcomes. Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with various media and techniques, including painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, computer-aided design, and animation. The course will encourage personal exploration through sketchbooks and large-scale works, inspired by past and contemporary artists.

Key units:

• Unit 1 (Coursework 60%): Personal projects stemming from broad themes and teacher-led workshops. It includes an analytical personal study essay linked to practical work (3000+ words).
• Unit 2 (Externally Set Exam 40%): Independent work based on a theme provided by the exam board, culminating in a 15-hour final piece.

How you will learn

The course combines teacher-led workshops with independent projects where you can explore your personal interests. Workshops will cover different techniques and media, as well as gallery and museum visits, including trips to London and occasionally abroad, to broaden your exposure to the arts. You will work within sketchbooks and produce larger final pieces, tailored to your aspirations.

What you will need to bring

While materials will be provided for class use, students are encouraged to buy sketchbooks and specific materials through the Art Department shop at discounted education prices. Students are encouraged to work in A2 sketchbooks for each project, documenting their ideas, artist studies and creative thought processes.

How you will be assessed

The assessment consists of coursework (60%) and an externally set exam project (40%). Coursework includes a personal project and an essay in Year 13, while the exam requires the creation of a final piece over 15 hours. There are no written exams, but critical essays support practical work. An end-of-year exhibition allows students to display their work.

Where next

This A Level is essential for students aiming to study Art or Design at university or take a foundation course. London boasts the top Art Schools in the world and we are at a huge advantage in our location. The skills learned, such as creativity, research, and problem-solving, are transferable across many subjects and careers. Popular pathways include degrees in Architecture, Game Design, Fine Arts, UX Design, and other creative disciplines.

Photography

Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Photography (9PY0)

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for students passionate about photography and visual storytelling. It suits those who are creative, willing to experiment with new ideas, and eager to develop technical photography skills. Students should be prepared to document their work and demonstrate the progression of their ideas. While owning a DSLR camera is recommended, the Art Department does have some equipment available for borrowing. This course is suitable for students who have achieved grades 9 to 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) Photography or Art-based GCSE. A good grade in English is also an advantage.

What you will learn

A Level Photography covers a range of photographic techniques, processes, and materials. You will explore how photography can document life, express personal ideas, and convey identity. The course includes work in film, video, animation, digital imaging, and light-sensitive materials. Access to Adobe Creative Cloud is also provided.

Key areas of study include:

• The principles of digital photography (aperture, shutter speed, focus, composition)
• Image acquisition, manipulation, and processing using both hardware and software
• Creating photographic works for different disciplines, such as animation, print, and light projections
• Planning and controlling photographic shots through location scouting, lighting, and props
• Analysing and evaluating contemporary photography with an understanding of purpose and context

How you will learn

The course combines practical workshops and independent projects, allowing you to experiment with various photographic techniques. You will develop and refine your ideas in a sketchbook, showing the creative process from concept to final piece. Lessons will cover both traditional and digital photography methods, focusing on shooting, editing, and presenting images. Collaborative work and sustainable production processes will also be explored.

What you will need to bring

While owning a DSLR camera is recommended for personal projects, the Art Department can provide some equipment for borrowing. A sketchbook is essential for documenting ideas and project development. These are sold through the Art Department shop at a discounted price. A willingness to engage with both the technical and creative aspects of photography is crucial for success.

How you will be assessed

• 60% Coursework: Personal projects developed from a broad theme, with workshops to build skills. Coursework includes a written personal study (3,000+ words, 12% of the final grade) and four assessment objectives.
• 40% Externally Set Exam: A project based on a theme from the exam board, culminating in a 15-hour final piece created over two to three days in May.

Where next

A Level Photography provides an excellent foundation for Art Foundation courses or photography, film and animation-related degrees. It enhances creativity, flexibility, research, and problem-solving skills, making it valuable for a variety of academic and professional paths. Beyond education, the ability to take high-quality photographs is a skill you can use throughout your life.