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The Art and Design Department
The team consists of three art teachers and two technicians. Throughout the year, we also mentor four PGCE students from UWIC who bring a wealth of innovative ideas to the department. On average GCSE pupils receive 80% A*-C grades. Pupils opting for art achieve some of the best results in the school. In March 2006 the school underwent an inspection. The department's grades were 1 for KS3 and 1 for KS4; the inspector commented "it is an exceptionally outstanding department with no areas to develop."
Pupils are introduced to a wide range of textile techniques, 3D and Ceramics, utilising the kilns and experimenting with surface decoration using oxides and glazes. We also have a dark room whereby pupils learn darkroom practice, developing and processing black and white film and photo-grams. The school hosts a wealth of pupils art work enhancing the school environment, current exhibitions include pupil's Photography, Textiles and Fine Art. Yr 9 pupils have created a vibrant mural in the Music and Drama corridor.
We run a more able and talented programme whereby pupils can opt for GCSE Art and Design in year 9. There by being entered in year 10, following on to achieve a second GCSE in an endorsed area, they can choose from Photography, Textiles, Graphics and Fine Art. All pupils entered in year 10 achieve a C grade and above. By the time they enter year 11 they show maturity in how to manage their studies and deadlines. The very best KS4 work can be seen globally on the Saatchi Gallery website.
Our ethos is to bring the work alive with extracurricular activities; the department have coordinated numerous projects whereby pupils have worked with artists in residence, attended workshops, museums and art galleries including a trip to Barcelona. In 2006 Edwina Jaques an established sculptor took residency in school and created 'The Lady of Abertillery' with the help of our pupils. It is well worth a visit to our school reception to see the beautiful mosaic sculpture, she is 6ft tall!
KS3 pupils have gained recognition in a wealth of local and national competitions for their photography celebrating bio-diversity, poetry being published, and graphic design of campaign posters for the police and logo designs for the borough council. They have also worked with artist Judy Foote in the community to enhance public spaces. Pupils get involved in regeneration projects in Blaenau Gwent, restoring the famous mosaic mural in the underpass in Abertillery and the painted mural in Aberbeeg.
The department have been recognised for their contributions to the KS3 level portfolios produced by the WJEC. Our pupils work features in the published guidance for KS2 and KS3 as an example across Wales.
In 2006 the department hosted an exhibition of pupil's artwork at Crafts in the Bay, Cardiff. The exhibition celebrated working with artists and visiting museum and art galleries. Pupils were so honoured to see their work in such an established gallery.
As members of the Creative Arts Curriculum Group we have coordinated two multi cultural festival's involving the whole of year 7 in working with artists, dancers, chefs, musicians and performers, events have included the feeder primary schools. The projects have raised awareness of diversity and created a sense of community within the school environment. Year 6 and 7 pupils worked with Tom Cousins to paint life size wooden sheep inspired by poetry, music and images.
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Key Stage 3
Pupils in KS3 are taught in mixed ability groups. They follow a programme of study following in the National Curriculum guidelines and are set projects based on understanding, investigating and making art work.
In year 7 they experiment with artists, designers and craftspeople based on the theme of The Environment.
The year 8's explore the theme Identity, understanding formal elements of portraiture and how numerous artists express their identity through their work.
In year 9 pupils discover different cultures and investigate the similarities with their own.
They are assessed twice yearly and awarded a SATS Level at the end of the Key Stage.
Key Stage 4
In KS4, pupils study for a GCSE in Art and Design. The course is geared to a WJEC qualification and candidates are required to submit two elements of course-work and their response to an externally set paper.
We are pleased to offer the opportunity for successful pupils to complete their Art and Design GCSE a year early. Starting the course in year 9, they complete their GCSE at the end of year 10. Pupils can therefore enter into an endorsed GCSE in one of the following; Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Design, Textiles, Three-Dimensional Design or Critical and Contextual Studies. The pupils will then leave with two GCSEs obtained within the Art and Design department.