Information Book Just for Starters - Stockport Grammar School

We aim to:
Sustain a lively and creative working environment where high standards are fostered and
maintained and where pupils recognise the subject as part of a living tradition.
What staff and facilities are available to the department?
The department is housed in its own building. There are four studios and a further resource
area located on the top floor. A range of disciplines are taught including Painting and
Drawing, Textiles, Print, Ceramics, 3D and Graphics. An important component of the
subject is that ideas flow between the various disciplines and this forms an integral approach
to the teaching practised in the department. A large number of pupils’ pieces are displayed
around the school.
How much time will I spend on this subject per ten day cycle?
Lower School: 1st year ........................................... 3 lessons with ½ an hour of homework
Lower School: 2nd and 3rd year ............................ 2 lessons with ½ an hour of homework
GCSE ...........................................................................................5 lessons plus homework
A Level ............................................................. 10 lessons with additional individual study
What is Art in the Lower School like?
Art and Design is taught to all pupils up to and including Third Year. Pupils are introduced
to a basic Art knowledge exploring themes including line, shape, tone, form, colour, texture,
pattern, composition etc. This ensures the development of skills in a wide range of media
and, combined with an introduction to the work of other artists and designers, aims to
engage and encourage understanding and ability in the subject. Projects are designed to
engender an understanding of cross-curricular and cultural issues. Textiles Technology is
taught to First Year pupils and gives them hands-on practical experience of the skills in
production, design and fashion. The course introduces the pupils to a design and make
project that focuses on simple pattern drafting and the use of sewing machines. Theoretical
aspects of the course cover the material technology of fabrics and the production processes
commonly found in industry.
ART AND DESIGN
What happens further up the school?
GCSE Art is a popular choice. The
department follows the AQA syllabus
that allows course- based individual
programmes that are marked internally and
moderated externally. During the Fourth
Year and at the start of the Fifth Year, pupils
begin to complete a Portfolio of Work, the
unit 1, which accounts for 60% of the total
marks. A further externally set task, the unit
2, which includes a timed examination, is
completed at the end of the Fifth Year and
makes up the remaining 40%. The course
encourages candidates to develop their
technical skill levels and a wide range of
media is explored. In addition pupils are
encouraged to visit galleries and museums.
A Level sets in Art usually consist of between
nine and twelve pupils and teaching is
divided between two members of staff. Two
endorsements are offered: Art, Craft and
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