All pupils take Art in their first year. In order to ensure that pupils are fully aware of the possibilities of the subject, we aim to run the first year as a foundation course.

Our commitment to Drawing is central to all practice. As a core skill, it is developed through painting, mixed media, printmaking, pottery and sculpture. Pupils are encouraged to see the diversity of Art and the possibilities that it offers, both as a GCSE subject and in terms of future employment.

M4 pupils are taught in groups of approximately 12, which ensures that they have space, time and attention to develop their potential fully. Prep is set fortnightly to encourage personal interest and greater independence. Beyond the timetable, the Art School provides further opportunities for pupils in printmaking, ceramics, creative textiles and inventive painting with Resident Artist Sam Walker. 

Unit 1 Art and Design Portfolio A111

Unit 2 Art and Design OCR-Set Task A121

The Coursework Portfolio (60% of the final mark) must encompass at least two artistic disciplines from drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media and three-dimensional studies. The OCR Set Task is a short project that culminates with a 10 hour exam. This accounts for the final 40% of the mark.

Pupils benefit from working in three specialist areas covering the requirements of the GCSE Assessment Objectives. The course is diverse and demanding both practically and academically. All preps are conducted within the school day, during Art Focus Times, so that pupils do not find it encroaching on other subjects or commitments.

Over the last four years 100% of GCSE pupils have achieved A*-B grades.

Unit 1 Coursework Portfolio F411

Unit 2 Controlled Assignment F421

The AS is made up of two units. Pupils produce a Coursework Portfolio that reflects their continued practical development and also encourages far greater personal direction. This body of work accounts for 60% of the AS mark. The course concludes with the Controlled Assignment, a short project and five hour exam, which makes up the final 40% of their AS mark. The mark that they achieve at AS then makes up 50% of their final A Level mark.

Over the last five years, 100% of AS pupils have achieved A-C grades, with 98% achieving an A or B grade.

OCR Advanced GCE in Art and Design; FINE ART H561

Unit 3 Personal Investigation F431

Unit 4 Controlled Assignment F441

The A2 year is an exciting conclusion to the A Level course, once again producing two units of work. Pupils work with a high level of independence to undertake a Personal Investigation (60% of their A2 mark), which explores, practically and critically, an area of study largely initiated by themselves, building on personal strengths, refining creative thinking and practical techniques, to an impressive level. Within this unit, pupils produce a 1,000-3,000 word related study. The Controlled Assignment is the final unit of the A Level and culminates with a 15 hour exam.

Throughout the A Level course, pupils are offered opportunities to add breadth to their experience in the Art School. Working with Royal Academy tutors in Life Drawing classes, informal discussion with the Resident Artist, gallery visits and visiting Artists all provide vital stimuli and useful insight into how Artists structure and develop their ideas.

All AS/A Level pupils have their own studio space so that they are able to work outside of their timetable. Art is a respected subject that adds creative breadth to any pupil's exam portfolio and is welcomed by universities and employers.

Over the last five years, 100% of A2 pupils achieved A-C grades, with 96% achieving an A or B grade.

Katie Lenham B.A.

Department Teaching Staff

Iris Friedler B.A.

Ian Newman B.A.

Sam Walker B.A. (Artist in Residence)

Find out more about the College's Artist in Residence