Richmond School
School Departments | Art
KS3
Pupils follow the National Curriculum and complete three units each year. Each Unit develops specific skills and techniques and is related to the work of other Artists’, Designers’ and Craftspeople. Throughout the Key Stage pupils are encouraged to develop their own ideas and skills in areas such as Drawing and Painting, Batik, Sculpture / 3D, Printmaking, Photography, Clay and Mixed Media.
KS4
Coursework (2 units) 60%
Independent Study Exam 40%
Coursework is divided into two units which students should show evidence of work in two or more of the areas listed below:
• Painting and Drawing
• Textiles
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture
• ICT
• Ceramics
• Graphic Design
Each unit of coursework has equal weighting (30%) and should include a work journal (sketchbook) research sheets and/or maquettes and a final piece. Students are encouraged to use digital photography, Internet and Adobe Photoshop 7 to support the development of their work.
The Independent Study Exam is allocated 10 hours and is conducted over two days in the Art studios. Students are issued with the exam paper eight weeks in advance of this to allow preparation time before they enter the exam to produce their final piece.
The Department organises workshops and visits to galleries and exhibitions of support Art History and critical analysis. Students are also encouraged to visit galleries whenever they can to support their studies. Locally there is the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, Preston Park Museum at Stockton and the Oriental Museum in Durham. A weekend workshop at Marrick Priory may be offered as well as a visit to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of daily lunchtime and after school clubs and workshops which are run by all staff in the department to enable students to develop individual skills and interests and to extend their coursework in smaller groups.
KS5
This is a challenging, yet highly rewarding A level providing considerable opportunity for students to develop a very personal response to project themes.
The course encompasses drawing, painting, design, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and ICT and both practical work and critical studies will be supported by gallery visits. There is a two day and a one day trip to London and the possibility of other visits to regional galleries. All AS students take part in a two-day Artist in Residence project and additional workshop sessions are also available.
The AS year consists of two coursework units each worth 30% and a 5-hour exam worth 40%.
The A2 year again has two coursework units worth a total of 60% and a 15 hour exam contributing 40%.
Four week preparation time is allowed for both exams.
This subject would support a range of courses, including Technology and Theatre Studies/Drama. Many students go on Foundation or Degree courses progressing to careers in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography and Film, Fashion and Textiles, 3D Design, Architecture, etc.
Contact Information
Miss A M D’Agostino- c/o admin@richmondschool.net
Mr C Moss- c/o admin@richmondschool.net
Ms L Conroy- c/o admin@richmondschool.net
Mr E McGovern- c/o admin@richmondschool.net
Mrs H Wilkinson- c/o admin@richmondschool.net