We believe that all learners are entitled to access high quality visual arts education. The visual arts inspire knowledge, appreciation, and creation of culture. Cultural experiences that broaden an individual’s experience are a basic human right that is fundamental to human dignity and identity as well as promoting social justice and participation within contemporary societies. Visual art is a very powerful tool.
The Visual Arts are fundamental to expression in addition to playing a significant role in the existence and character of being human. Learning in Visual Arts enables students to realise that everything they encounter has been designed and made by someone, whose design is initially manifested on paper with pencil. Our aim is for learners to explore and visualise the breadth of the subject and to recognise the value of Visual Arts for its aesthetic and well-being qualities.
The Visual Arts curriculum develops learners’ ability to think critically and imaginatively, is systematic in the creative process, nurtures artistic behaviours, and is tailored to combine ‘making’ alongside developing a rich knowledge of the arts and the artists who created them. Moreover, the curriculum has been designed as such to develop and place emphasis on visual literacy and aesthetic assessment.
Our aim is for learners to:
In Photography last year, 59.3% of students achieved grades 9 to 5; and 83.3% achieved grades 9 to 4.
In Art last year, 54.1% of students achieved grades 9 to 5; and 73% achieved grades 9 to 4.
Assessment in Visual Arts is holistic at KS3 and 4 with the whole product from start to finish being the measure of a student’s ability. This typically takes the form of sketchbook-based project work in addition to final pieces. In KS3, students’ work is looked at as a whole against the Habits of Mind criteria. The Habits of Mind are designed to consider the demonstration of artistic behaviours: inquisitiveness, collaboration, persistence, application of disciplines, and imagination. The assessment model in KS3 is designed as a prerequisite for GCSE level study where students are assessed against 4 objects; AO1: develop an idea through investigations, AO2: refine an idea through purposeful experimentation, AO3: record ideas and insights, AO4: present a personal and informed outcome.
All students will study Art throughout Years 7 and 8 at The Dorcan Academy and may choose to continue to follow through to GCSE.
In Year 7 and 8, all students have 2 lessons a fortnight. In Year 9 students, that have selected to specialise in Art will receive 4 lessons a fortnight.
Students in Year 10 and 11 that select Art as an option subject will receive 5 lessons a fortnight.
Mr Peter Corkish – Head of Art and Head of Osprey house
Ms Natasha Dorman – Teacher of Visual Arts
All students study Art in year 7 and 8 and receive 2 lessons a fortnight. In Year 9 students, that have selected to specialise in Art will receive 2 lessons a fortnight.
Students may choose Art or Photography as an option at GCSE and will receive 5 lessons a fortnight.
We offer two Art Clubs as extracurricular activities on a Tuesday and Thursday.
GCSE Art and Photography have access to the department Tuesday, Thursday, Friday each week.
