Art
Art is the freedom of the individual, the freedom of expression. It is not just a subject to learn but one that you can practice with your eyes, your hands and your whole personality. A language which helps to build a balanced and wider understanding of life.
Photography is taught as a separate course, please see the appropriate page for further information.
You can find our Instagram here: art_clrchs
Exam Specifications
GCSE Specification
A Level Specification
Curriculum Pathways & Schemes of Work
Art KS3 Pathway
Art & Design KS4 Pathway
Key Stage 3
The Art and Design course offers a practical, stimulating and highly creative learning experience, delivered through a diverse range of teaching and learning approaches. The curriculum is structured around a series of engaging projects, including core skills development, Day of the Dead, the environment, material exploration, cultures, architecture, literature and film.
Throughout the course, students will be taught fundamental art skills alongside a variety of new techniques. They will explore a broad range of materials and processes, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary art practices. Students will also learn to critically evaluate visual work and analyse the approaches of artists, craftspeople and designers.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Art and Design is an exciting and challenging practical course that enables students to develop a broad range of creative skills. Learners engage with a variety of teaching and learning approaches designed to address all four assessment objectives.
The course is structured around two major projects, providing students with a balanced and comprehensive body of coursework. Project themes include Sculpture and Landscapes. Coursework accounts for 60% of the final GCSE grade.
In Year 11, students complete a mock examination, culminating in a 10-hour controlled assessment based on the Landscape project. The official GCSE examination is an externally set assignment that begins in January and concludes at Easter with a 10-hour controlled assessment. All work produced during the three- to four-month preparatory period contributes to the final assessment, which represents the remaining 40% of the overall grade.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of educational visits, including trips to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, galleries in Manchester or Liverpool, and RHS Bridgewater. These experiences allow students to explore sculpture, painting, printmaking and the natural environment to inform and enhance their GCSE coursework.
Sixth Form
To enrol on the Art, Craft and Design A-Level course, students are expected to have achieved a good pass (grade 4 or above) in GCSE Art.
A-Level Art is a two-year programme comprising four components.
Unit 1: Growth and Decay
This unit introduces students to key ceramic practices, providing opportunities to develop skills in coil building, slab construction, glazing and surface texturing. Students gain a deeper understanding of three-dimensional materials and processes.
Unit 2: Portraits
This unit allows students to refine their fine art techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking and photography. Together, Units 1 and 2 give students a strong foundation in core skills, materials and wider learning attributes such as time management, communication and perseverance.
Unit 3: Personal Investigation
Unit 3 is a self-directed project forming 60% of the final A-Level grade. Students develop an in-depth personal investigation based on a theme of their choice, supported by thorough research from a range of sources, including primary visits to galleries and museums where appropriate. Students are also required to produce a written essay of 1,000–3,000 words, which supports and contextualises their practical work. This unit leads to a major final outcome. Students will also have the opportunity to visit London to support their research. Previous themes have included War, Mental Health, Figurative Sculpture, Light and Dark, Literature, Colour and Movement.
Unit 4: Externally Set Assignment
The final component is an externally set practical project beginning on 1 February and concluding around Easter with a 15-hour controlled assessment. During this unit students will work through a series of tasks relating to their chosen question. They will be encouraged to visit local galleries or places to gain research or take photographs to assist their practical work. This final unit is worth 40% of their final A-Level grade.