Barking Abbey School

K. Gill – Head of Department
D. Sizer – In charge of Graphic Design
R. Kaye – In charge of key stage 3
A. Beard – Year Co-ordinator (Pastoral)
S. Rangel – Studio Technician.

Art Department Aims and Objectives
It is this department’s belief that all pupils should by right have the opportunity to develop their individual creative ability and to enhance their knowledge and understanding of their artistic heritage as part of the complete package of general education. Educating and developing the visual and tactile senses is of fundamental importance and should be regarded as being of equal importance to literacy and numeracy. To work visually allows pupils to express themselves in a very personal manner, responding to their imagination and feelings in a way that other forms of communication often do not facilitate. To allow pupils to develop this aspect of their personalities is an essential part of learning about themselves and the world in which they live and expands their ability to communicate in the widest sense.

The aims usually take into account the nature of the subject, the expertise of staff, available resources and the concept of the pupil as an individual.

Visual awareness

To encourage a visual appreciation of the world about us;
To develop a critical awareness to life and society;
To encourage an imaginative response to the environment;
To establish interest and awareness.

Exploration

To help pupils develop creative ability, to stimulate imagination and explore personal feelings;
To encourage a sense of curiosity and wonder, a desire for exploration and discovery.

Development of the individual

To develop sensory awareness;
To develop visual awareness;
To develop specialist vocabulary;
To develop pupils expressive activity, inventive abilities and craftsmanship.

Aesthetic development

To promote an understanding of and sensitivity towards a range of media;
To develop practical and manipulative skills suitable for the realisation of ideas;
To provide a historical and contextual knowledge and understanding suitable to aid pupils in realising their own ideas successfully;
To provide context for the learning of the formal elements of art and design.

Access
All pupils have equal access to the experiences on offer in the Art Department and all individual members of the department strive to ensure there is a level of access, which as far as possible allows all pupils to work at or near the limit of their ability at all times. The department aims to provide equal opportunities for all students within a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects the ethos and vision of the school.

Equal Opportunities
The Art Department recognises and values the whole school policy on equal opportunities and positively encourages pupils to explore their own identity within a multi-cultural society as well as the diverse ways artists in different cultures and societies produce images, symbols and objects, recognising the codes and conventions that convey meaning.

Development of Literacy through Art
Within each unit of coursework comes a ready made vocabulary specific to that project, research tasks are used to develop and pupils learning of codes and conventions as well as the use of art resource packs. Pupils are encouraged to analyse and evaluate sources of information using correct vocabulary wherever possible.

Oral work is used to develop skills of discourse, encouraging pupils to find words to verbalise their responses articulately and confidently.

Development of Numeracy through Art
Most schemes of work take into account the broader dimensions of the curriculum to include the development and understanding of numerical issues through study of ratio, scale, proportion as well as digital media.

Scheme Of Work: Underlying principles.
The scheme of work from Key stage three through to Advanced Level endeavours to develop a sound working practice within the four main components that are followed through in each and every unit of work covered. The main areas, as specified in the aims and objectives are fundamental to the teaching of Art and Design:

Exploration
Development of ideas
Critical and contextual study
Personal response

Drawing as a foundation study
Drawing is a continuing experience for all pupils. All pupils will be encouraged and instructed in the skills of drawing throughout their courses. Pupils will experience a range of approaches, techniques and styles, and it is hoped through this broad experience develop their individual approach.

Work Journals / Sketchbooks
Throughout their art career within the school, all students are required to keep a journal of their activities that provides an illustration of their personal journey through a project.