The art and design department places great emphasis on exploring traditional, modern and contemporary ideas of art throughout the curriculum. Each project aims to develop pupils' understanding of how certain traditions and genres of art have evolved through time to the present day, enabling students to have a clear understanding of the context and origins of artwork. We look at a wide range of artists throughout history who have explored themes relating to cultural, societal and political issues. All artists chosen have made significant contributions to the development of art and design and support students in exploring their own ideas and experiences. This aims to give our students the ability to express themselves through their art work and to develop a greater understanding of the world around them. Projects are designed so that students get experience of a range of different media, techniques and processes and enjoy creating their own personal and meaningful artwork in response to the themes. Year 12 In year 12 the department offers graphic communication, fine art and photography A level endorsements with Edexcel. Each course begins with teacher-led workshops on the theme of structures and builds on students’ skills and confidence at the beginning of their A level course. The course consists of two components. Component 1 is coursework and Component 2 is the Externally Set Assignment (ESA) to be taken in year 13. Structures: Students from each endorsement explore the theme of structures from September – February. They begin with teacher-led workshops on the below themes and then choose their own personal direction to explore under the theme. Fine Art - Natural and man-made structures; artists include Edward Western, Imogen Cunningham, Bill Brandt, John Piper and Ian Murphy Graphic Communication -Using grids and breaking the grid in design - design inspiration includes the Bauhaus art movement and David Carson Photography -Natural and man-made structures; photographers include Anna Atkins, Edward Western,Imogen Cunningham, Bill Brandt, Alexander Rodchenko. Paul Strand, Berenice Abbot and Miranda Lichtenstein Variety and Similarity: Students develop ideas in response to the theme. Students are given structured tasks and selected artists/designers to look at in the first instance; they then choose their own direction, exploring individual ideas and artists.Students need to develop and refine their ideas leading up to a final piece that is made over a 10-hour controlled assessment time period in June. Personal Study: Students choose a theme or area they wish to study in year 13.They research and develop analytical and essay writing skills in preparation for a 3,000 word essay on their chosen theme.