Overview
The Mercia art curriculum is designed to nurture pupils’ confidence and creativity, giving them the opportunity to explore, experiment and develop their own personalised artwork. Pupils work across a broad range of art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. Within these areas, they practise an extensive variety of techniques using different media.
Progress is documented through pupils’ sketchbooks and the art & design booklets that support each unit of work. These booklets include specialist subject knowledge, practical guidance and information on art history, styles, techniques and methods. Pupils also develop analytical skills by studying the work of artists from both the past and present.
A strong understanding of the formal elements and composition underpins all artwork and forms a vital part of the Mercia art curriculum. This foundation supports smooth progression into GCSE study, including GCSE Photography.
The art department is a passionate team committed to helping every pupil succeed. Support is available outside lesson time, and a range of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 clubs run during lunchtimes. Pupils are encouraged to participate in a variety of competitions, including the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show, to celebrate and showcase their achievements.
GCSE
Completing a GCSE in Art & Design allows pupils to thoroughly explore their own interests and ideas. During the qualification, they will study a range of topics/themes, developing and refining their own work through research, experimentation and workshops. Pupils taking art, craft & design have the opportunity to work across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics.
If completing GCSE Photography, pupils will explore the work of contemporary artists and express themselves creatively whilst also learning industry-standard software and many of the fundamentals of using a DSLR camera. They will study photography through a range of starting themes, developing and refining their own work through research, experimentation and workshops. Pupils will have the opportunity to work in and experiment with a DSLR camera and various post-production methods.
The duration of the course is two years and is 100% practical. For component 1, pupils will successfully create a portfolio of work comprising of two projects. Pupils will develop both projects over time in response to investigations around the subject area and the materials/mediums they experiment with. The creation of a final response will illustrate how pupils realise their intentions through investigations. Similarly for component 2, pupils choose a starting point/theme from the exam board’s paper. They will use knowledge and techniques to produce a creative response within a 10-hour supervised time limit. This will take place after a preparatory period, thus allowing pupils to embark on the examination with confidence.
Both the art, craft & design and photography GCSEs encourage self‑expression and allow pupils to pursue their passions within art & design. Creative individuals see the world differently; they use original thought and vision to produce unique work. This process is stimulating, fosters creativity and builds confidence.
Year 7
- The formal elements
- Landscape
- Gaudi ceramic houses
Year 8
- Portraiture
- Pop art
- Acoma pottery
Year 9
- Architectural drawing
- Mexican folk art
- Memento Mori
Year 10
- Term 1 & 2 – Component 1: pattern in art
- Term 3 – 6 – Component 1: sustained portfolio
Year 11
- Term 1 & 2 – Component 1: sustained portfolio
- Term 3 – 5 – Component 2: externally set assignment
Exam board
AQA