Art and design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. Pupils use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. Through art and design activities, they learn to make informed value judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions, becoming actively involved in shaping environments. They explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople and designers. They learn about the diverse roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life, and in different times and cultures. Understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts have the power to enrich our personal and public lives.

Art experience may be condensed into three areas:
(a) the subjective, expressive, communicating of ideas and experiences,
(b) the actual 'doing' and art making, involving skills, materials and disciplines
(c) the evaluating and appreciating of the child's own art, alongside that of other artists.

Structure
Pupils are encouraged to experience a wide range of materials and techniques.

KS3 Projects

There is a weekly ‘art club' available at KS3 - this gives the pupils
At Key Stage 4 Art is optional. We currently offer OCR GCSE in ‘Fine Art'. Pupils are encouraged to develop their projects to show their particular strengths and skills.

Trips, Educational Visits & ‘Artists in Residence'
Viewing artwork ‘first - hand' is a very important, valuable experience for the pupils. Recent trips have included:

Walsall Art Gallery -Year8 to see ‘Outsiders' exhibition & ‘Garman Ryan' collection - especially the Jacob Epstein sculptures. Year 8 produce clay models based on Epstein's work.

‘Gustav Klimt' exhibition - Tate Liverpool - Years 10 &11

Kew gardens Years 10 & 11 have been to the recent ‘Chihully' and Henry Moore exhibitions

Ragley Hall Years 10 &11 visited the ‘Jerwood Sculpture Trail' - includes work by Anthony Gormley & Dame Elizabeth Frink

Yorkshire Sculpture Park Years 10 & 11 Trip planned for September 2009

Year 11 Sculpture Workshop with Artist Julie Edwards - for the past three years Year 11 pupils have taken part in a one day sculpture workshop during the Autumn Term. Due to take place again - Autumn term 2009.

Pass rate
2008-2009 100% A*-C