Key Stage 3
In years 7 and 8 young designers will learn how to visually communicate through a wide variety of media, technique and technology.
The Key Stage 3 schemes of work are designed to allow our students to experience how it feels to work like a designer in industry, using the most up to date Adobe Master Collection software with teaching from a subject specialist. Students work to a brief, just as they would in industry, which receives regular verbal and written feedback to enable our young designers to challenge themselves and make progress.
The work of artists, designers and photographers are explored and our young designers learn to embrace work from the past, as well as current art practice.
Through their education in year 7 and 8, our young designers should be equipped with the knowledge to successfully progress onto GCSE should they so wish, following an option year at year 9.
Key Stage 4
Students on the Graphic Communication GCSE course are introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of graphic media, techniques and processes, including both traditional and new technologies.
The Key Stage 4 schemes of work are designed to allow our students to experience how it feels to work like a designer in industry, using the most up to date Adobe Master Collection software with teaching from a subject specialist. Students work to a brief, just as they would in industry, which receives regular verbal and written feedback to enable our young designers to challenge themselves and make progress. The students have two creative spaces to work from, a newly installed ICT suite and an Art classroom to allow their work to be explored beyond the computer screen.
All students have access to the most up to date Adobe Master Collection which is in line with industry standard. Students cover areas of study within Photoshop, Digital Photography, Typography, Illustration, Layout/Design for Print, Animation, Print Making, Advertising and Packaging Design.
There are typically 2 coursework units and an exam unit, where students sit a 10-hour exam in which they produce their final outcome. This takes place around Easter time of year 11. The examining body for the course is AQA, which is also used for GCSE Art, therefor assessed on the same criteria.