Art, Design & Technology
Head of Department: Rachel Postill
Our approach to the Art, Design & Technology curriculum
The Art, Design and Technology Faculty aims to nurture skills, creativity and develop pupils’ problem-solving ability. We encourage innovation and develop pupil’s skills in all areas of Art, Design, Technology and Food through a range of units and pathways. These skills and experiences enable pupils to later direct their own learning through independent projects. We have successful results in all key stages and strive to develop our projects and courses to support knowledge and understanding of the creative industries and the world that surrounds us.
Our Learning Journey:
- Art & Design KS3/4 GCSE
- Art & Design KS3/4 BTEC
- Art & Design KS5 BTEC
- Design & Technology
- Hospitality and Catering
- Hospitality (old specification)
- Photography A level
Key Stage 3
In Design and Technology, pupils will experience an iterative design and making process though working with a range of timbers, metals, polymers and fabrics. They well also learn the theory aspects of materials and processes, designer influences and sustainability to name a few. Pupils will gain skills in using CAD CAM software and are able to use this confidently in their work to make quality products. Pupils study Food for a term across Key Stage 3 and this supports understanding of health, balanced diets and also enables them to develop a range of cooking skills.
Pupils study Art for one hour a week and they will study areas such as portraiture, Cubism, Surrealism and cultural art. They will develop skills in a range of media and techniques and will develop a strong understanding of the formal elements in art, the work of artists and art movements and will be able to produce independent and creative work in their sketchbooks.
Key Stage 4
BTEC Level 2 Art & Design (Pearson Edexcel)
When studying Art and Design, pupils will complete an introduction to specialist pathways and will learn how to produce artwork in a range of media such as fine art, graphics, textiles and printmaking. They will then generate ideas and produce a final piece. Pupils will develop skills on the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which is industry standard software. Other units develop skills and techniques by responding to set briefs, as well as pupils having the opportunity to build their own portfolio of work and present these to peers and professionals. There is an externally set unit which involves 20 hours of preparation time and a 10-hour period to complete a creative final outcome from an externally set theme.
GCSE Design & Technology (AQA)
GCSE Design and Technology is a course which supports development into the creative industries as well as engineering and manufacturing. Pupils will be taught how to use diverse materials, techniques and processes to produce independent and creative outcomes. They will further develop CAD skills, including 2D Design and the web / app-based software Fusion360 for 3D printing. The course includes a 35-hour NEA (non-examined assessment) which carries 50% of the marks for the GCSE qualification. This is an A3 portfolio of work to demonstrate a creative application of the design process in response to an externally set brief. The remaining 50% is assessed in a single written paper which tests understanding of materials and their applications, sustainability, product analysis and human factors in design.
Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering (Eduqas)
Studying Hospitality and Catering, supports pupils who wish to enter careers in food and nutrition, catering or hotel management. 60% of this course is a NEA (non-examined assessment), which allows pupils to demonstrate their skills and understanding of balanced diets, cooking skills and ability to respond to a brief / scenario. The exam preparation is focussed on the structure and management of the Hospitality and Catering industry and understanding of food hygiene.
Key Stage 5 (16-19 qualifications)
BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design (Pearson Edexcel):
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Art & Design (Pearson Edexcel):
We offer both of these Art and Design qualifications which equate to either 1 or 2 A-levels. Students will learn about the creative process and will develop artwork using a range of media and techniques in fine art, graphics, printmaking, textiles, sculpture and 3D modelling. Students will learn how to respond to client-led briefs and will also learn about Art and Design history. There are some external units which pupils are well prepared for in mocks and in preparation time, prior to sitting the exams.
A-Level Photography (AQA Art & Design – photography specialism)
In Photography, students will learn how to effectively use a camera and develop technical, digital and traditional techniques to produce meaningful responses in their work. Pupils will apply their skills into producing a ‘Personal Investigation’ in an area of Photography of their choice and this carries 60% of the A-level grade. The remaining 40% is an externally set paper which includes around 12 weeks of preparation time and a 15-hour exam, where pupils will develop a final collection or final piece in response to a topic.
A-Level Design & Technology (AQA)
In Design and Technology, pupils will study a range of short projects which aim to develop skills in using materials, techniques, processes and CAD CAM. The course supports development into the creative, manufacturing and engineering industries. The scheme of work builds in associated theory work relating to topics such as designer laws, smart technologies, green issues and design history. A self-initiated assignment (NEA) carries 50% of the marks for this qualification and students are encouraged to work with industry professionals where possible to support industrial development and understanding of their concepts.
How you can find out more about the Art, Design and Technology curriculum:
Syllabus materials: www.technologystudent.com
Software app download: https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360
Faculty Leader contact: rpostill@smchull.org