The KS4 Fine Art course follows the AQA specification and is designed to develop students’ creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking through a two-part curriculum.

Over the two years, students will engage in a blend of practical skills, contextual understanding, and personal exploration, culminating in a final project and exam.

Year 10: Coursework (60% of the final grade)

Year 10 focuses on the coursework component, which constitutes 60% of the overall grade. During this year, students will develop their portfolio or sketchbook, a personal collection of research studies, experiments, and final outcomes.

• Personalised Themes: Students will explore themes that resonate with their own interests and connect with societal issues. They are encouraged to investigate contemporary art practices and engage with the work of professional artists. These themes can global, cultural, or environmental topics and should demonstrate students’ ability to make thoughtful connections to the world around them.
• Creative Development: The course encourages students to explore a variety of media and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital arts. Students will experiment with these mediums, documenting their creative process and learning to refine their skills.
• Research and Contextual Understanding: In-depth research forms a critical part of the coursework. Students are required to analyze the work established artists, both historical and contemporary, to understand how art reflects and shapes society. This research is presented through a portfolio or sketchbook and will form the basis of their creative development.
• Influence of Industry and Universities: We are fortunate to be supported by several universities and many professionals in the creative industries, who provide valuable insights into current trends, career pathways, and industry standards. This collaboration ensures that our students not only create meaningful work but also gain an understanding of the practical application of their creativity in the modern art world.

Year 11: Externally Set Assignment (40% of the final grade)

In Year 11, students will shift focus towards their Externally Set Assignment (ESA), which is worth 40% of their final grade.

The ESA challenges students to develop a response to a theme set by AQA. They will explore the theme in depth, conducting independent research and creating a final piece of work under controlled conditions.

• Personal Response: While the theme is provided, students will bring their personal creative approach to the project, drawing from their previous research and experimentation.
• Final Outcome: The final piece, which is produced in response to the externally set theme, is expected to demonstrate high levels of technical skill, creative thought, and personal expression.

Emphasis on Creativity in Contemporary Industry

This course places a strong emphasis on creativity as a driving force in both art and industry. Students are encouraged to think critically about how their work to contemporary society and to explore how their artistic practice can inform future creative careers.

The integration of industry knowledge and university partnerships provides students with a wider context for their work and prepares them for the possibilities in further education or creative professions such as graphic design, illustration, architecture, fashion, and media.

The aim is for students to develop a strong portfolio of work that reflects not only their personal journey but also their understanding of the temporary art world, enabling them to enter the creative industries with a robust skill set and a critical understanding of art in the 21st century.