Art is a flourishing subject at St. Bonaventure's. 93.8% of pupils achieve an A-C grade at GCSE and 100% achieve an A-C grade at A level.

Current structure

Key Stage 3 and 4 are taught in three art rooms, one being a specialist ceramic room. Each room is equipped with an Apple iMac computer, scanner and colour printer.

Key Stage 3

The department uses the QCA scheme of work as a structure. Pupils are taught basic skills in Year 7, which they then use to develop personal responses to projects. The critical understanding of other artists' work is investigated continuously through projects. Pupils cover a range of materials and techniques including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking and digital image manipulation.

Themes

Year 7 Observation and viewpoints. Recreating Landscapes.

Year 8 Self. Life events. Personal places, public art.

Year 9 The Fantasy. A shared view. Animating art.

Key Stage 4

The department offers unendorsed art and design through Edexcel exam board. Pupils with a particular interest can be entered for an endorsed subject, for example graphics, textiles or three-dimensional design. The course consists of two coursework components worth 30% each. A terminal externally set exam in which the pupils are set a theme and eight weeks to prepare for producing a piece or pieces of work within a ten hour period, worth 40%. At Key Stage 4 pupils build on the experiences of Years 7 - 9 and develop skills and understanding further. All pupils have the opportunity to attend extra art sessions. Gifted and Talented days are arranged for pupils, last year's activities included stone carving, oil-based mono printing, gallery visits and animation using Flash.

Sixth Form

Sixth form lessons are taught in a separate purpose-built suite comprising of two studios, a printmaking room and a darkroom. A/S and A2 Art and Design courses are offered. The emphasis is placed on the pupils developing their skills and knowledge independently, self-motivated gallery visits and investigation into art and design.

Ethos of the Art Department

Every pupil should be given the opportunity to succeed regardless of skill and talent.