VLE
Year 6-9 students receive one 65-minute lesson of Art or Ceramics per week, taught in tutor groups in the specialist Art rooms. The British School of Kuwait also offers Edexcel IGCSE, AS and A2 courses in Fine Art.
Students in Years 6-8 are introduced to a wide range of materials, tools and techniques, including ceramics. A strong emphasis is placed on improving drawing skills whilst working from observation.
Through practice and experience, students' visual perception is improved. They will also learn about the work of artists and see their own work in relation to this. By Year 7, students should have developed an ability to appraise their own material, working more independently in preparation for further study.
Content Overview
Students will be introduced progressively to a variety of techniques which will equip them to develop work with increasing confidence and competence. Each activity will involve carefully structured work which, whilst appearing free, will ensure sequential development. Drawing will be a major developmental focus throughout each year, as it is fundamental to all areas of visual studies.
Throughout these topics, the following areas of study will be covered:
Teaching Methods
Assessment
Materials are provided and students fulfil the task set with continuing teacher support. Students' work is continually assessed as they pursue the various stages of each project. There is continuous dialogue with individuals as work progresses. Students are actively involved in the development and appraisal of their own work.
Final assessment is made according to the ways in which the student has:
Homework
Homework is an extremely important part of the Art and Design syllabus. It is a vital part of the course as it enables students to consolidate work done during lessons. Students are issued with homework every two weeks. This is to enable them to spend time on the set task. This may improve either a practical or a research task.
Students develop their skills using a wide range of materials, tools and techniques. A strong emphasis is placed on improving drawing skills while working from observation. Through practice and experience, the students’ level of visual perception is improved. They learn about the work of artists and see their own work in relation to this. Students will further develop an ability to appraise their own material, working more independently in preparation for further study.
The six areas of study addressed in earlier years (colour, drawing, painting, texture, shape, composition) will be consolidated and extended in Year 9. All will be approached through concurrent study of the work of established artists and will involve students in the use of a wide variety in materials and processes. The structure of the course ensures the aesthetic development of all students.
A variety of teaching approaches are used, including:
ICT is used extensively, both as a tool for research into artists and art movements and as a vehicle to present the products of such research.
The IGCSE in Fine Art enables students to develop their creative and imaginative skills through practical ways of communicating and expressing their ideas, feelings and meanings in art. Students will continue to develop their observational, creative and technical skills through stimulating projects and more personal lines of inquiry. The subject will be of interest to students considering careers in architecture, the fine arts, and design industries.
Course Overview
Students will be expected to work in at least one discipline of painting, drawing, printmaking and /or sculpture. They will undertake research and record observations, experiences and ideas. They will learn how to develop and realize their ideas through exploration and reviewing their work as it progresses. Students will learn how to use a range of materials, equipment, processes and techniques in two and three dimensions.
Resources
A wide range of quality materials are used for practical work, including specialist painting and drawing equipment. The practices involved include printing, collage, three-dimensional studies and textile design. An emphasis is placed on drawing and painting with some photography where relevant.
Examination
IGCSE Fine Art is 100% externally assessed. The assessment involves an examination piece which will be completed in ten hours with six weeks' preparation work.
AS Level Fine Art is the natural progression for all students who were successful at IGCSE and who are considering careers including media, architecture, graphic design and interior design. The students continue to develop their observational, creative and technical skills through stimulating projects and more personal lines of inquiry.
Terms 1 and 2: The basic elements of art and design are explored and extended through project-based thematic enquiry. Critical and historical studies are used as contextual research. Students start working immediately on coursework, demonstrating their ability to sustain a personal response from conception to realisation and to work independently.
Terms 3 to 5: Students will pursue further studies and prepare for their examination to be taken in Term 5.
A wide range of quality materials are used for practical work, including specialist painting and drawing equipment. The practices involved include printing, collage, three-dimensional studies and painting. An emphasis is placed on drawing and painting with some photography and ICT where relevant.
Unit 1 is internally assessed, externally moderated coursework showing students’ personal development and outcome in response to a theme. Unit 2 is an externally set, internally marked and externally moderated eight hour examination with supporting studies.
A2 Fine Art is the natural progression for students who were successful at AS Level and who want to continue developing their observational, creative and technical skills through stimulating projects and more personal lines of enquiry.
Terms 1 and 2: Students will embark on component 4 (Related Study) while continuing coursework component 3, which is distinct from coursework component 2.
Terms 3 to 5: Students will complete all components and present work for assessment.
A wide range of quality materials is used for practical work, including specialist painting and drawing equipment. The practices involved include painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture and alternative media such as digital, film and video.
Unit 3 is internally set, internally marked and externally moderated coursework showing students’ personal response to a theme plus a personal study which is related to their coursework. Unit 4 is an externally set, internally marked and externally moderated twelve hour examination with supporting studies.