The Art and Design department enjoys a large number of students who wish to take the subjects further into GCSE.
Art and Design is enjoyed by all students throughout their time at the college. At Key stage 3 students experience a range of art disciplines where they learn new and exciting techniques and materials. The department develops its own projects taking into consideration the differentiated needs of all its students as well as working with other subject departments across the college in order to enable students to transfer skills.
Over the last few years the department has grown from strength to strength and is one of the highest achieving subject areas within the college. Around 75% of the students taking these courses achieve A* -C. The percentage rose to 85% in the last year.
In year 9 Gifted and Talented students are fast tracked enabling them to complete their GCSE in Art or Graphic Design a year earlier and then to consider taking an additional GCSE in the arts and complete it in one year. This has been a major force in raising aspirations and motivation for students.
A celebration of the visual arts is a major event at the college where students of all ages take part in a major performance and exhibition celebrating the visual successes of our students.
At KS4 the department offers students Art and Graphic Design. Both disciplines are a form of communication and a means of expression of ideas and feelings. Art and Graphic Design are a form of language which is concerned with the development of mental processes involved in visual perception and aesthetic experience.