Overview
This a very exciting time for the Darton Highschool Art department with a new staff bringing in a fresh approach. There is a fresh focus on a new department ethos which involves teaching Art focused on the following 7 key principles:-
- Practice and focus – to develop technique and Art skills
- Ability to look and record what you see
- Willingness to try anything
- Ability to experiment and learn from mistakes
- Be interested in and inspired by the work of other artists
- To develop an ability to explain your opinions about Art
- Creativity – using research from any given start point to develop own ideas
It is by encouraging these principles that we believe, as a department, we will become an outstanding Art department and more importantly encourage young people to become knowledgeable, skilled and confident artists. The aim of this is to encourage students to develop skills first leading to the development of a personal view on Art and a personal style which is more relevant, contemporary and genuinely original.
The Art Staff
- Mr M Wiggans – CTL Art and Graphics
- Miss A Furness – Art teacher
- Miss S Lee – Art and Graphics teacher
- Miss S Hanwell – Technology and Art teacher
- Mr D Booth – Art and school technician
Key Stage 3
This will focus on a gradual build up of Art skills notably drawing, painting and ICT but also including ceramics, 3D, printing, fashion and textiles. It also focuses on developing an understanding of the Art of others as well as students developing the ability to express a personal opinion about Art with reasons. By using these knowledge skills and understanding students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and plan progress by experimenting, refining and evaluating their work. The aim is to ensure that all students have an appreciation and enjoyment of the subject and basic skills which will help them throughout their life. The intention would also be to prepare those who wish to with the skills for carrying the subject on at BTEC level.
Key Stage 4 Edexcel BTEC Art
The BTEC Art course which is run by the department provides for potential success across 3 levels. The BTEC Certificate, extended certificate and diploma provide a flexible opportunity for students to achieve 1, 2 or 4 GCSE equivalence respectively. The majority of students will achieve an extended certificate by the end of year 11 with students pushed to a higher level or supported at a lower level where necessary. The course which is run consists of 6 projects over the 2 years, each focussed on a different aspect of Art. Within these projects they will be required to produce work in both 2 and 3 dimensions showing an ability to draw, paint and sculpt from observation, experiment with different media and refine these into their own ideas. They will need to research and present their own findings about selected artists and use their influence to inspire their own work. All work for each project will result in a final response showing the influences of their research.
