Art and Design

Hear from Emily Johnson

Our aim is to simultaneously combine creativity with enjoyment. Art and Design in Years 6, 7 and 8 focuses on the acquisition of skills, whereas Year 9 aims to consolidate these skills whilst allowing the exploration of personal thoughts and values. Boys studying Art should want to experience a wide range of materials, and should take a natural interest in the way that artists and designers work.

Studying Art at this level is a great way to understand and develop skills in independent learning, allowing for more personal ideas to be explored. This course is designed to prepare students for the new GCSE courses, where there is a clear focus on quality rather than quantity.

GCSE

60% of GCSE – Coursework Portfolio: Practical portfolio on a self-selected theme (September Year 10 – December Year 11).

40% of GCSE – Externally Set Task: Practical portfolio on a theme selected from the exam board’s Task Paper . (January Year 11 – April Year 11)

The Exam Board is OCR. Art and Design(J170) or Fine Art (J171)

There are no written exams for Art. A 10-hour controlled task concludes the Externally Set Task in May. This is usually completed during two consecutive days before study leave begins.

This is a creative subject which is 100% practical, and the only GCSE which empowers pupils with full control over their chosen pathway. With the support of expert staff, boys thrive in this artistic environment where topics are self-selected and driven by interests, core values and personal skillset. This subject develops technical skills, creative ability, knowledge, independent working and visual communication skills. Ideas can be developed through drawing, painting, 3D, digital, sculpture, mixed media, photography or any combination of these areas. This course is essential for anyone wanting to pursue an Art-related career, although most boys who GCSE Art do so in order to achieve their highest grade or equivalent.

Subject Enrichment

Gallery visits – London, Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough
Visiting artists
School exhibition
National competitions
Support clinics
Art clubs
Silver Arts Award

A Level

60% of A Level Art – Personal Investigation: Practical portfolio on a self-selected theme and written Related Study. (September Year 12 – January Year 13)

40% of A Level – Externally Set Task: Practical portfolio on a theme selected from the exam board’s Task Paper. (February Year 13 – May Year 13)

The Exam Board is OCR. Fine Art (H601) or Art, Craft and Design (H600).
It may also be possible to study AS Art, Craft and Design (H200) or Fine Art (H201) as a fourth option, subject to timetabling.

There are no written exams for Art. A 15-hour controlled task concludes the Externally Set Task in May. This is usually completed during three consecutive days before study leave begins.

Why study A Level Art and Design at the Grammar School?

Studying Art and Design brings balance to other A Levels, providing the mental and physical space for creative exploration, innovation, independent working and academic research. All A Level artists receive their own materials and unlimited access to their own studio space, which facilitates the production of large, ambitious work. Experienced staff support boys in their discipline of choice, which might be digital, traditional painting and drawing, film, printmaking, 3D or any other specialism. Boys direct their own study with personal choices regarding starting points, artists and influences, making this an entirely personalised course. This subject is essential for any boys wanting to pursue an Art-related career; a creative portfolio is also a requirement for most Undergraduate routes for Architecture.

Our A Level course structure allows a natural progression of study from any GCSE route previously studied, regardless of exam board, specialism or former experience. Fine Art has typically been the A Level studied by pupils who have completed their GCSE here at Loughborough Grammar School. This is suited to those with a desire for creativity, concepts, personal expression and both traditional and/or contemporary media. However, we also offer the Art, Craft and Design A Level course which is becoming increasingly popular. This allows for mixed areas of study for those who have broad interests and may wish to combine creative disciplines, including (but not limited to) Photography and Film. There is no restriction on the combination of disciplines studies, thus allowing for a fully flexible course to suit individual needs and interests. Anybody with a passion for Art History should consult with the Art staff, because OCR’s A Level Critical and Contextual course could be offered which is a creative approach to the learning of Art History.

A full range of disciplines are taught including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, dark room skills, sculpture, conceptual art, new media and installation. Art History is integral to all A Level routes and is developed and studied in an individualised way to strengthen conceptual understanding of your chosen specialism. All work is presented in our end-of-year exhibition for assessment and moderation, which is a much-anticipated highlight of the school year.

Facilities

Pupils have access to their space at all times outside of their timetabled lessons, including some scheduled weekend and half-term study days. The Art department has their own A3 colour printer, scanner and digital SLR cameras. The building benefits from a dark room and purpose-built photography studio with lighting equipment, tripods and backdrops. We have two full-size kilns and strong links with the Design and Technology Department which expands the opportunities available to our pupils, including the use of a laser cutter and 3D printer.

Subject Combinations

Art compliments a whole range of subjects because it requires a completely different way of thinking, learning and working. Boys can combine Art with Maths, languages, humanities, sciences and any post-16 subjects of choice.

Career Pathways

Graphic Design, Illustration, Curator, Designer, Interior Design, Automobile design, Animation, Film maker, Set design, Art dealer, Educator, Photographer, Web design, Architecture, Professional Artist, Art therapy.

Subject Enrichment