Ratcliffe-College-Key-Stage-3-Handbook-2016-2017

also incorporated into the projects; students will be shown how to use Photoshop
and other graphic software during relevant stages of the projects as well as
learning how best to use the internet. Some of the projects may involve a visit
to a local art gallery or other venue, either to study the work of other artists or
to draw and develop ideas and solutions to the project. Further information for
Art and Design curriculum is available on the Internet:
http:/www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/schemes2/secondary_art
Teaching approaches
The Art and Design Department provides an open, positive and enthusiastic
learning environment. Art lessons will be very varied, sometimes including group
work, sometimes requiring individual and personal responses. Talks on art
history, slide presentations and films are often used. Students will often be
asked to bring in materials, or possibly objects to draw from. Prep is expected
to be done in the sketchbook at all times unless otherwise stated. There are a
number of opportunities for students to use the Art department during extracurricular
sessions, these can be used to good effect to complete prep or ask
for help with classwork; a sense of commitment to the subject is crucial to
success.
How you will be assessed
Formative as well as summative assessment is used in Art and Design. When a
prep is due in students can be expected to show their work to the class and have
verbal feedback given to them directly. It is recognised that drawing is a very
personal way of communicating ideas; as such, assessment is always positive.
Some people find drawing very difficult and this is also recognised. Progress is
monitored continually throughout each project and helpful comments will be
written in sketchbooks. At the end of the project the completed unit will be
marked as a whole, to include all work produced both inside as well as outside
the sketchbook. Evidence of development is critical, so work should never be
crossed out, and rarely rubbed out. The course is also punctuated occasionally
by short tests; it is likely that the majority of these will be observational. At
the beginning of each year the criteria for assessment will be stuck into the
back of each sketchbook together with a prep sheet inside the front cover. The
subject is fluid as can be expected in a creative medium, so changes may well
occur during the year.
How you will be grouped
The Art and Design groups are based on tutorial groups. Each teaching group will
have one lesson a week throughout the academic year.
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