Art

In Year 7 we focus on developing the foundation skills to be a successful artist. 

We begin with observational drawing – learning the fundamental basics of line, shape, tone, form, texture and pattern (formal elements); we use a tried and tested technique developed by American art teacher, Betty Edwards, using the right-hand side of our brains!  During the year students are introduced to working with a wide range of materials, techniques and processes, including 3D and printmaking.   We also explore writing about art and analysing it using visual literacy and research methods. Homework is set every other lesson and often students will begive opportunity to consolidate skills learned in lessons, research and learn new skills through ‘flipped learning’.  Students will have the opportunity to build upon these skills further as we progress into year 8.

In Year 8 we build on the skills from Year 7 to ensure our students continue to develop into confident individuals.

Over the year we will explore 3 different themes.  Our current themes are natural forms, animals and patterns.  Over the year students have the opportunity to develop their drawing and painting skills as well as progressing to more complex printmaking and 3D methods.  We continue to explore our writing about art and analysing it using visual literacy and research methods. Homework is set every other lesson and often students will begive opportunity to consolidate skills learned in lessons, research and learn new skills through ‘flipped learning’.  Students will have the opportunity to build upon these skills further as we progress into our final year of KS3.

Throughout Year 9 students will build on the skills developed over the past 2 years.  Over the year we explore 2 themes: portrait and everyday objects. Students have the opportunity to further their skills in drawing, painting, 3D and printmaking in preparation for GCSE.   Our final theme of the year is selected by the student themselves. They can explore any of the themes from their Goffs Art experience and develop it however they want, choosing from drawing, painting, 3D or printmaking. Students are also encouraged to take their own photographs over the course. We develop our analytical skills more deeply and students are expected to gather their own research during homework, set every other lesson, to progress their own studies.

KS4

GCSE Fine Art

It is our mission at Goffs to develop well rounded artists who are hardworking, independent and not afraid to take risks in the work they do. We explore a wide range of themes and look to our learners to identify themes of interest.  We explore a wide range of media, including drawing, painting, print making, sculpture and mixed media. The course is a 2-year GCSE course beginning in Year 10. Students will develop several projects over the first 4 terms, developing a portfolio of drawing, painting, printmaking and 3D, building on the skills learned in KS3.  They must also analyse artists’ works and make connections to create personal responses. Students study towards the AQA GCSE qualification – 60% portfolio (coursework) and 40% exam (timed project with a 10-hour outcome). Drawing and written annotation is a compulsory part of the AQA specification.

Click here for examples of Year 10 Work

Click here for examples of Year 11 Work

A Level Fine Art

We follow a 2-year linear A Level course in Fine Art at Goffs.   The first year of the course is designed to develop students’ skills in a range of disciplines such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3D.  We work under the broad theme of ‘materials’ enabling students to identify their own interests and topics.  Many students make links to their other A level courses to create greater depth to their studies, drawing on this knowledge.  Year 13 takes the skills from Year 12 to a deeper investigative level.  Students are expected to choose their own line of enquiry, investigating and researching about artists, techniques and themes to inform and develop their own practice as an artist.  Some students continue the line of study already undertaken in year 12; they will all use techniques learned from Year 12 and are expected to build on these independently as well as finding new techniques, methods or applications.  Students are expected to be resilient and hardworking.

All students must submit a mandatory written essay (1000 – 3000 words) as part of their coursework unit about an area they are interested in, relating to their investigation.  Students must also submit a written bibliography evidencing their research.

Click here for more Year 12 & 13 work