Art

The Marist Senior School has been awarded Artsmark Silver by Arts Council England in recognition of its commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.  The school is delighted that many practitioners in the expressive arts visit the school to give workshops to students who greatly benefit from these lessons.

The art department is run by Mrs Sandra Maynard and Mrs Tanya Bennett. Both teachers are very passionate about all forms of artwork.

The aim of the art department is to develop the potential of the individual through the understanding and practice of creative and practical skills in art.

Key Stage 3 - art at this stage involves the following taught in half term units:

  • Drawing & painting
  • Graphics
  • Three dimensional work
  • The study of culture
  • Exploration of multi media
  • Printing

All work involves the use of IT and critical studies.

Key Stage 4 GCSE (AQA Board) - there is an opportunity to enter the following:

  • An unendorsed general course
  • Drawing and painting
  • Textiles
  • Three dimensional work
  • Graphics

The course requires 2-4 projects of work, each of which has to have a main piece and supporting preparatory studies.

AS level (Edexcel board) - at this level there is the chance to work towards a general portfolio or a specialist course. There is a thematic unit centred around analytical drawing and recording. There is alsoan Expressive unit which seeks to explore the formal elements of line, colour, tone, pattern, texture andshape in order to make a personal response. The study of other artists is encouraged and visits to exhibitions and gallaries are encouraged. There is a final controlled test, which is set by the board.

A2 level (Edexcel) - the course is divided into three parts:

  • The problem solving exercise offers a chance to explore issues in Art
  • The written study is an individual response to artists in society, developing technical skills or understanding signs and symbols.
  • Final controlled test.

 Facts & Achievements:

  • 100% pass rate at GCSE & A level over the past 4 years
  • Winners in the Ascot Carnival Competition
  • First prize in the Debenham's national Jubliee competition
  • Years 12 and 13 exhibited at the East Bekshire Business Partnership (EBP) exhibition in Bracknell
  • We design the sets for the school's drama productions
  • We have displays in local libraries
  • we have regular visits to galleries and exhibitions