Home > Bedales > Subject Areas > Art

Art

View art work by Bedales students for 2009 - 2010.

(More art work from previous academic years at the bottom of this page).

View work by Bedales teacher and professional sculptor, Andy Cheese.

Year 9 (Block 3)

In Block 3, the Art and Design Departments come together to introduce pupils to a wide range of techniques and concepts by running five-week courses in six areas. Three are run by the Art Department (Painting and Drawing; Pottery and Sculpture) and three by the Design Department (Resistant Materials, Textiles and Graphics with Systems).

The Art Department offers pupils the opportunity to investigate and gain experience in Aesthetics; Impression; Expression; Communication; Manipulation; Environmental; and Art Historical and Social. It is intended that during the course pupils should gain some experience of a wide variety of techniques, materials and processes.

In the 2D Art area these techniques include basic print-making and work with various types of paint media and coloured inks, oil pastel and coloured pencils. In Pottery, students experiment with coiling, pinching, slabbing, inlay and sgraffito. In the Sculpture area the basic principals of modelling in 3D will be explored as well as assemblage and the building of structures. The main objective is to develop in all students some element of visual awareness and creative thinking.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

In this novel Bedales Assessed Course students will be offered the opportunity to explore and gain experience in Aesthetics, Impression, Expression, Communication, Environmental Issues, Manipulation and Art Historical and Social. 

Students will choose three projects produced during the five terms of the course.  These will form the main body of the final presentation and will be accompanied by the student’s “visual diary”. 

Sixth Form

Read an article by Head of Art at Bedales, George Hatton, on a Sixth Form Visit to Barry Flanagan's Exhibition at Tate Britain.

This innovative course integrates practical work and History of Art to a much greater extent than previously. Half the classroom time will be devoted to 'hands on' activities such as painting, print-making, sculpture and ceramics, the other half being devoted to Art History and "Contextual Studies".

A level Art offers something of value to a wide range of students, not only those who might choose a future career in the arts. It is hoped that the AS course will be of value to those who wish to add breadth to their 6.1 studies, as well as being an important foundation for those continuing to the second year A2 art course.

The Bedales course is designed with Art School Foundation and direct entry degree courses in mind, and prepares students for later specialisation in such areas as: Fine Art, Graphic Design, Printing, Photography, Ceramics, Illustration, Architecture, Fashion Design, Stage and Theatre Design etc.

The 6.1 year (2 Modules of Work)

At the end of the first year students will be expected to present two modules of work for exhibition and examination. One of these will be made up of a portfolio of art work containing a painting and a piece of sculpture or construction, with relevant back up work.

The second element is an exam piece or “controlled assignment” undertaken in the final term. Candidates will be given a list of suggested “titles” or “themes” that they will be expected to translate into a piece of work in a media of their own choosing. Supporting work will also be expected for this element.

There will be an emphasis on the active keeping of sketch books for information gathering and note-keeping, and all students will have the opportunity to attend life drawing classes each week. There will also be visits to galleries, museums, art colleges and other events.

The 6.2 year (2 Modules of Work)

Two modules of coursework will be required for assessment at A2 level. One will be a 'personal investigation' where students will explore an aspect of art which has 'personal significance' for them. This work will be presented in an exhibition at the end of the year. Students will also make a “fifteen-hour piece” in the final term, when they will be given a list of “themes” or “starting points” to which they will be expected to respond. They will then produce a piece of work in a media of their choice during a specified time period. Life drawing classes continue at A2 Level and the development of sketch book work remains central. Tutorials will be
held regularly with groups and on an individual basis. A member of staff works with each student individually to develop skills and to monitor progress.

The main objectives of the courses will be to:

• Enable students to develop enough skills and confidence in their chosen media to communicate visually without inhibition.
• Help students develop their own ideas and to work from their own personal initiative.
• Help the student build up a portfolio of work should they wish to continue on to Art College or other specialised Art Courses.

Examining Board: OCR
Head of Department: George Hatton

Download a guide to the Sixth Form Curriculum

View art work by Bedales students for 2008 - 2009.
View art work by Bedales students for 2007 - 2008.
View art work by Bedales students for 2006 - 2007.
View art work by Bedales students for 2005 - 2006.
View art work by Bedales students for 2003 - 2004.

© Bedales Schools   Digital Marketing Agency - Wickedweb