If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.
Art and Design
STARS we believe that art is a subject that can help us to understand and give meaning to the world in which we live.
In Key Stage Three, Art is taught in line with national curriculum expectations. Art is delivered in alternate half terms with cookery, to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media, as exploring their ideas helps to build their skills. Different cultures and artists from around the world are used to help pupils analyse and evaluate their own work and that of others. Finally, Key Stage Three Art aims to instil a sense of intrigue about the history of art, craft, design and architecture from influential periods, styles and major movements, from ancient times up to the present day.
In Key Stage Four, pupils are offered the opportunity to further their art studies and gain a formal GCSE qualification in Art and Design. Within the curriculum we offer printmaking, graphics, textiles, fine art and mixed media, meaning that all pupils can capitalise on their particular skill set to achieve the best outcomes.
Reintegration
Learning opportunities in Art allow pupils to develop lifelong learning skills to refine and develop outcomes to the best standard possible and build problem solving skills, which support individuals in returning to their studies in a mainstream school. An ethos of trying and not being afraid to make mistakes, but recognising these and learning resilience and ways to move forwards, help pupils forge the necessary skill set to be successful upon return to a mainstream classroom. Art is an ideal medium to build confidence through praise, recognition of effort and rewards which ultimately teaches pupils what they can achieve when they set their mind to a task. As pupils join us at different stages of their Key Stage Four curriculum, they are able to bring work from their home school to form part of the required portfolio of evidence.
Strengths
Through teacher modelling of techniques and levels, workshops and pupil led demos/example work, art at STARS aims to create an atmosphere of independence and innovation. By encouraging pupils to immerse themselves in the subject and actively engage with the art outside of lessons pupils will develop a lifelong love of art and culture that surrounds them. Introduction of influential artists, local artists, cultural art and those artists that go against the grain will enable pupils to develop their own knowledge base and explore their own ideas and style. This is a vital step to building confidence, developing a sense of self and establishing their own role within their communities. Pupils are encouraged to engage with all types of art, from religious icons to movies, to be able to understand the enormous influence art has in all areas of life.
Pupil view
Pupils report that they enjoy art at STARS. Meeting local artists and exploring various materials has been an exciting part of the curriculum. All work at STARS shows a high degree of pride, and pupils are keen to have a meaningful outcome in their work.
Pupils who choose to go on to study Art at GCSE are passionate about their own art and enjoy a creative outlet in an often tightly prescribed curriculum. For these pupils, art excites and motivates them to engage with education as a whole.
Enrichment
Pupils at STARS will have the opportunity to work with local artists to develop key skills and understanding in their own artwork. Workshops will be led by members of the local community and supported by teaching staff to ensure pupils engage with a diverse range of art and artistic styles.
At Key Stage Four, there are opportunities to visit local art galleries and the national art galleries in London. Local area studies may be used where appropriate for individual portfolios. Pupils are encouraged to independently visit and engage with art in the community, to develop their breadth of knowledge.