Welcome to the Art and Design Department. All pupils at Beauchamp have one art lesson a week. In years 7 and 8 we are able to reduce the teaching group sizes to 23 or under. We endeavour to ensure that all pupils are taught in the purpose built art room.
The programmes of study are usually adapted or changed each year however there are always constant elements in order to ensure a sound progression of skills. These are claywork, printing, 3D pieces and the use of ICT to provide resources and develop ideas. Pupils will also always look at the work of artists and designers as well as larger movements and cultural work. This year year 5 are studying the work of The Bauhaus, The futurists and Gustav Klimt. In year 6 pupils look at the etchings of Goya, Rembrandt, Rego and Picasso as well as studying Japanese Art. In year 7 pupils look at African masks and their link to Cubism and Impressionist Landscapes. In year 8 pupils study the Surrealists, Pop Art and Warhol’s screen prints and Henry Moore.
Throughout the 4 years we place an emphasis on drawing. To help develop this all pupils have their own sketchbooks and smaller homework sketchbooks. We participate in the annual Big Draw campaign and we run an interhouse Art competition. We take lessons out from the planned timetable when a particular drawing opportunity arises (such as a lovely day outside). We also expect drawn responses when pupils go on any art trips.
We endeavour to run Art visits and in recent years we have been to Tate Modern, Cecil Higgins Gallery in Bedford and the Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire. These visits have provided excellent opportunities for pupils to develop their interests and their awareness of art.
In our efforts to support all pupils we have a good level of support provision and we offer a variety of lunchtime and after school clubs. It has also been possible to organise additional activities for pupils identified as talented in Art.
As coordinates of the learning community 6 Art Group we have worked to improve progression by developing a Middle to Upper School Bridging Project. Towards the end of the year our year 8 pupils now complete a 4 hour extended drawing. This forms the basis of their first year 9 task at Upper School.
In July 2207 Mr Hutchinson took some year 8 pupils to Edith Cavell Lower School where they worked for a day with a class of year 4 pupils. The resulting work was successful and both the year 4 and year 8 pupils enjoyed the experience. It is hoped that we can expand or a similar idea across other feeder schools next year.
