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Curriculum Summaries

Art

All girls in each year work using a common theme as a starting point for creativity, learning and discussion.

This subject is studied by all girls in LC1 and LC2. They then opt to continue in LC3 and beyond.

LC1

A grounding in the use of drawing and painting materials. The introduction of colour theory, and the concepts of line, tone, form, shape and basic composition. Experience in some of these areas of study: printmaking, photography, ceramics and sculpture.

LC2

A more advanced look at the themes introduced in LC1. A greater awareness of personal development may be taught using the work of artists relevant to the given project.

LC3

The keeping of a research book is encouraged. A greater sense of expression through reaction to the set aims and ideas engendered by the department theme.

UC4 (GCSE)

An introduction to course work structure using research, contextual awareness, use of materials and a completed course work project, incorporating research in sketchbooks. The consideration of drawing as a language and the use of artists' work to inform and inspire becomes important.

UC5 (GCSE)

A second completed course work project and a timed externally assessed paper. Research books are increasingly important as are journals.

In addition to the brief course structures outlined below, AS and A2 pupils will be taken on gallery visits, attend life classes, lectures by visiting speakers and there will be an opportunity to join an Art trip abroad, to a city that provides stimulating and relevant exhibitions that will complement the chosen theme for the year in the Art Department.

SFC1 (AS level)

Girls will be encouraged to specialise in one or two disciplines of their choice for all three units allowing their skills to develop and become fluent enough to display their ideas and learnt skills with confidence and enthusiasm, as they complete two course work units and an eight hour examination.

SFC1 and SFC2 (IB Visual Arts)

Girls can choose whether to work primarily on studio work or in an investigation workbook.  Studio work involves practical exploration and artistic production. The investigation workbook is a more formal research-based project. The aim of the course at either Standard or Higher level is to enable students to develop an understanding of the visual arts from a local, national and international perspective by visiting galleries, museums and studios locally, nationally and abroad. They should use a variety of media including sculpture, ceramics, screen-printing, printmaking including etching, fine art drawing and painting and photography and new media.

Girls take responsibility for the direction of their learning through the acquisition of effective working practices, initially technically taught then guided through towards a personal response, discovering aesthetic preferences, personal interests and strengths. We will provide international study trips twice during the course to complement the diverse ethnicity of our students. The work is assessed by exhibition following formative self-evaluations through practice presentations and interviews. 

SFC2 (A2 level)

The A2 course follows on from the AS course and candidates can pursue their chosen specialism and take it to a more advanced level. As in the AS course, there are three units which have to be completed, the final one being the end-of-course, twelve-hour examination.

News

Vicky Tuck – Telegraph Articles

Vicky Tuck – Telegraph Articles

Please see the links below for the latest Telegraph articles written by Vicky Tuck. 26 April 2010, 26 March 2010, 05 February 2010, 11 January 201...

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Hunchbacks, Knights, Dwarves and Giants

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A talk by Dan Evans on the Gonzaga of Mantua and their ArtistsThe art historian, Dan Evans, commenced his presentation on the court of Mantua with a s...

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