Art
Art forms an integral part of the cultural life of the School. We work at developing aesthetic and cultural awareness and the intellectual rigour to equip students to cope successfully and to flourish individually in the artistic environment.
The department is attractively situated in a specialist building within the School campus. It has three studios, a photography studio and a print workshop for the production of relief, intaglio, screen and block printing. The curriculum is very broad, allowing students to experiment with all the major disciplines based around a fine art approach. All work is linked to that of contemporary artists, through research projects and links with workshops and visiting artists.
The department is open in the evenings and weekends allowing students to actively develop practical elements of the subject, as well as forming more independent responses to the needs of the curriculum.
GCSE - Years 10 & 11
Fine Art
Students are given every opportunity to learn about processes such as mould making, mixed media work, intaglio printing, screen printing, painting, photography, casting, textiles, ceramics and lots of drawing. This is a demanding yet extremely rewarding course, which is in no way exclusively intended for those with a natural flair and ability towards the subject, but is made available to any student who shows enthusiasm and interest for it.
How is the course structured and assessed?
The course involves two parts; a portfolio and externally set assignment (ESA), which will involve two and three-dimensional work, with mixed media and photography as well. At the end of the course, students are expected to present a portfolio of project work, which accounts for 60% of their final mark. The remaining 40% is for the ESA project and a final piece.
A Level - Years 12 & 13
Students all work on individual projects, ‘creating visual meaning through Art by an expressive response to a personal context or social issue’. They will explore techniques as diverse as drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, and mixed media and photography. Sketchbooks form an integral part of the development of the work and life-drawing classes are also part of the course.
How is the course assessed?
Work is assessed internally throughout the year, with weekly or twice weekly assignments. Final work is marked internally, then moderated by an external examiner in June of Year 13. There will be a termly charge for extra materials with this course.
Where does Art A level take you?
Monktonians go on to the top courses in the country each year: Central St Martins, Kingston, Goldsmiths, CCW, AA, LCF, Falmouth, Bournemouth and Plymouth. Local art colleges are also well attended. Most Art courses begin with a Foundation year, although some of our students go straight to degree level in fine art, graphics, interior design, fashion, architecture and illustration.