Share This Page

Choose a subject

Art & Design

Within the Art, Textiles, and Photography department, our core ethos revolves around igniting and nurturing the spark of creativity within our students. We take immense pride in our role as catalysts for cultivating a multitude of qualities that shape our students into individuals who are not just artists and designers, but independent thinkers, skilled artisans, imaginative visionaries, inquisitive explorers, and contemplative creators.

Intent: Art and Design at Gable Hall School is an exploration of creative skills and imagination expressed through diverse media. The curriculum is designed to:

Cultivate a lifelong connection with art, encouraging students to see and experience the world differently.
Open minds to various art styles globally and throughout history, enabling the development of personal responses and the ability to express oneself through art.
Develop an increasing range of technical skills, with a focus on drawing, applied with sophistication in exploring 2D and 3D media across a variety of styles.
Foster the ability to talk about art and critically appraise both personal creations and the works of major artists.

Implementation: To realise the intent, teachers will:

Plan and deliver lessons that develop skills for producing original work, encouraging creative exploration and idea recording.
Promote imagination and independence through carefully planned tasks and groupings.
Ensure a curriculum that progressively builds skills over time, fostering fine motor skills for proficiency in various media, including paint, print, textiles, sculpture, and digital art.
Emphasise the sketchbook as a tool for organising ideas and influences during planning, critiquing, and production.
Provide frequent opportunities for sophisticated discussions about art, emphasising the absence of strict rules but requiring justification of thought processes.
Enable students to critically discuss the approaches and techniques of artists, applying these insights in their own work.
Expose students to a diverse array of artists, representing the racial mix of the UK and spanning different eras and countries.
Plan the curriculum to ensure every student's entitlement to visit galleries, experience community art, and access the art world through digital means.
Celebrate students' work through displays, exhibitions, and competitions within the academy and the broader community.
Provide opportunities for group work to foster confidence and creativity, gradually transitioning to independent work as students develop personal responses to artistic briefs.

Impact: The Art and Design program anticipates the following impact on students:

Significant progress from their starting points, achieving well in artistic endeavours.
Ability to articulate knowledge and appreciation of art across diverse forms, styles, and contexts.
Proficiency in producing art with skill and creativity, justifying the artistic intentions behind the work.
Cultivation of a lifelong interest in art.

Fostering a Multifaceted Artistic Journey

We believe that exposure to a diverse spectrum of skills, techniques, artists, and designers empowers our students with the confidence to embark on a journey where they derive inspiration, question conventions, and venture into the boundless realm of visual expression. This process enriches their understanding of the visual tapestry that envelops them and their potential role in shaping it.

Unleashing Creative Potential

The collective impact of the creative industries on the UK economy, amounting to an astounding £100 billion in 2018 and providing livelihoods for over 2 million individuals, underscores the significance of artistic prowess. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to pave pathways for students to delve into a myriad of artistic processes, techniques, and design principles. Whether in the realm of art, textiles, photography, or design, our students are given the opportunity to not only explore these domains comprehensively but also to specialise in areas that resonate with their passion and interests.

Empowering Future Visionaries

By nurturing a foundation of skills and techniques across various creative spheres, our curriculum serves as a launchpad for students to pursue higher education and careers within the expansive landscape of art, design, and creative industries. We believe that our students are not just learners; they are future visionaries poised to make substantial contributions to the dynamic fabric of these industries.

In the Art, Textiles, and Photography department, we don't just teach art – we cultivate a mindset, foster a passion, and shape the future of artistic expression. Our mission is to empower our students with the tools, insights, and confidence to embrace their creative potential and make an indelible mark on the canvas of our ever-evolving visual world.

Key Stage 3

Nurturing Creative Fluency: Key Stage 3 Artistic Exploration

At Key Stage 3, we guide our students through an exhilarating journey of artistic exploration that spans an expansive array of mediums and techniques. Our curriculum embraces the dynamic realms of painting, drawing, felt making, embroidery, clay, print, and photography, equipping students with a diverse toolkit for creative expression.

Themes that Illuminate Understanding

Each year group delves into a captivating theme that becomes a conduit for discovering the profound art of communicating meaning through their creations. In Year 7, the theme is ‘Our World’, an expedition encompassing landscapes, cultures, travel, and environmental narratives. In Year 8, students embark on an introspective voyage, delving into ‘Who Am I?’ Through their artistic endeavours, they unravel the tapestry of their lives, interests, and individuality. Year 9 sheds light on ‘Our Future’, an exploration that traverses health and fitness, the impact of global warming, and the crucial realm of mental health.

Cultivating Autonomy and Preparedness

As students progress through Key Stage 3, they are progressively empowered to foster their work independently, a pivotal aspect that lays the foundation for their future journeys in GCSE, BTEC, and A Level studies. With each passing year, students amplify their fundamental artistic and technical skills, embedding practical applications of scale, ratio, and proportion that extend their numeracy competencies across various subjects.

Enriching Cultural Capital and Literacy

Beyond the artistic domain, Key Stage 3 cultivates a rich cultural capital within students. This is nurtured through the insightful evaluation of both their own work and the creations of others, fostering an analytical eye that interlaces effortlessly with literacy skills. The act of analysis becomes a gateway to deeper comprehension, intertwining visual and textual forms of expression.

In the realm of Key Stage 3 artistic exploration, we don't merely teach art; we unveil the world of creative fluency. Our mission is to kindle a passion for artistic expression, to cultivate a mindset of exploration, and to equip students with skills that transcend the canvas, preparing them to make significant contributions to the artistic tapestry of their future.

KS3 Curriculum Map

Key Stage 4

Cultivating Artistic Excellence: Shaping Year 10 and 11 Journey

In our ongoing commitment to nurturing artistic excellence, our current Year 10 and 11 students are immersed in an enriching experience. They are engaged in the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Art and Design Practice, as well as the AQA GCSE Textile Design and AQA GCSE Photography courses.

Embracing a Two-Year Pathway

Our comprehensive two-year courses are meticulously designed to unfold in a sequence that nurtures holistic growth. Commencing with a series of skill-focused projects, students are guided through an immersive journey that instills confidence across every facet of their course. This holistic approach encompasses vital skills such as research, analysis, planning, design, execution, evaluation, and refinement.

The Evolution of Mastery

As students progress through the course, they transition towards cultivating independent expertise and specialisation. This evolution is marked by a coursework unit where they delve into self-directed exploration. Guided by investigations into established artists and designers, observations, and media trials, students refine their techniques, fine-tune their concepts, and breathe life into their ideas. This intricate process culminates in the creation of an independent, personal, and deeply meaningful response.

Year Two: Elevating Independence

In the second year of their journey, students receive their exam paper, setting the stage for an inspiring challenge. They handpick a theme and embark on a journey of independent development and refinement. This serves as a prelude to the pinnacle of their journey: the 10-hour controlled assessment. This controlled environment provides them with the canvas to translate their refined ideas into tangible artistic expressions.

At the heart of our approach lies the unwavering dedication to fostering creativity, confidence, and mastery in our students. Through a meticulously crafted journey, we enable them to not only embrace their artistic potential but also elevate it to new dimensions. We prepare them to be not just artists and designers, but innovators who carry forward their passion and proficiency into the canvas of their futures.

Art KS4 Curriculum Map

Textiles KS4 Curriculum Map

Photography KS4 Curriculum Map

Key Stage 5

Art & Design - Fine Art

Art & Design - Photography

Art & Design - Textiles

SMSC in Art

SMSC, BV and Protected Characteristic development in Art at Gable Hall School - Click Here

Spiritual Development in Art:

In our Art and Design course at Gable Hall School, we nurture students' spiritual development by encouraging them to enquire deeply and communicate their ideas, meanings, and emotions through artistic expression. Through exploration of visual, tactile, and sensory qualities in their work and the work of others, students embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. Independent thinking is fostered, enabling students to develop their creative ideas and intentions and to express them in a manner that resonates with their inner selves.

Moral Development in Art:

Throughout the art course, students are presented with works of art that often provoke moral questions and dilemmas. Students' artistic creations are not just visually appealing but also carry profound meanings and messages. The outcomes of their artistic endeavours are supported by rationales or explanations that convey moral and ethical messages, challenging students to consider the moral implications of their work and the broader world.

Social Development in Art:

Art at Gable Hall School is a social endeavour where students' work is celebrated and prominently displayed throughout the school, fostering a sense of pride and community. Students engage in both independent and collaborative projects, contributing to public and community artworks that express the interconnectedness between students and the local community. Our collaboration with the charity 'Mancunian Way' exemplifies our commitment to community engagement. Additionally, students explore a diverse range of artists and artwork, honing their communication skills and learning to engage in meaningful discussions and research.

Cultural Development in Art:

Our art curriculum exposes students to a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and religions from around the world. Through their artistic investigations, students not only develop their artistic skills but also deepen their knowledge and understanding of artists' ideas and concepts. They explore how art can convey profound meanings and messages, transcending cultural boundaries. Furthermore, students research and delve into the religious and non-religious beliefs embraced by various cultures globally, broadening their cultural horizons and fostering respect and appreciation for diversity.

In summary, Gable Hall School's Art program is designed to facilitate holistic SMSC development, empowering students to express themselves artistically, grapple with moral questions, engage with their community, and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of our world.

Co-Curricular Activities

Unlocking Creativity: Art Club and Engaging Workshops

Art Club offers a vibrant platform that beckons KS3 students to delve into a world of creativity. Held on a weekly basis, it serves as a dynamic hub where young artists explore an array of media and themes that evolve in tandem with current events, exhibitions, and competitions.

Nurturing Artistic Exploration

Within Art Club, the canvas of exploration is vast. Our KS3 students are invited to immerse themselves in a diverse range of artistic media and themes, carefully curated to resonate with the pulse of the times. Whether responding to breaking news, absorbing the essence of exhibitions, or rising to the challenge of competitions, every session is an opportunity for young artists to expand their horizons.

Elevating Artistic Proficiency

For our GCSE, BTEC, and A Level students, the artistic journey is enriched through weekly workshops. These workshops serve as crucibles of creativity, offering a dedicated space to enhance skills, deepen understanding, and craft ideas into tangible expressions. We wholeheartedly encourage our students to embrace the creative sanctuary of the department, utilising it during study periods, before and after school, as well as during breaks and lunches.

In essence, our goal is not just to teach art, but to ignite a lifelong passion for creative expression. Through the dynamic Art Club and focused workshops, we sculpt an environment where artistic potential thrives, fostering not only proficiency but also a deep-seated love for the arts.

Staff

Lucy Wallis - Joint Head of Art, Photography and Textiles

Laura Regan - Joint Head of Art, Photography and Textiles

Jessie West - Art and Textiles Teacher

Kristofer Solomon - Art and Photography Teacher

Liz Tinworth - Art Technician

Specifications

Art and Photography GCSE

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206/specification-at-a-glance

BTEC Tech Award in Art and Design. Level 2

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/art-and-design-practice.html

Parental Support - BTEC Art

Supporting Level 2 BTEC Tech Award in Art and Design Practice Students

Key Dates:

Component 1 (30% of BTEC): January 1st to late May
Component 2 (30% of BTEC): Early July to Early December
Component 3 Exam (40% of BTEC Grade): Papers Released around February 22nd.
Component 3 Written and Practical Exam: Late April

What You Can Do Together:

Engaging actively in your child's artistic journey is crucial. Here's how you can provide valuable support:

Discuss Their Work: Regularly engage with their drawings, artwork, trials, and photoshoots. Encourage them to articulate their creative choices and future plans.
Exam Paper Selection: In February, students receive their exam papers. Assist them in selecting a theme and outcome that aligns with their artistic strengths and passions.
Practice Drawing: Encourage them to carry their sketchbook everywhere to practice drawing from everyday life experiences, fostering their skills.
Art Workshops: Attend art workshops every Monday and Thursday after school, where teachers offer guidance and access to equipment, enhancing their coursework.
Stay Equipped: Ensure they have their sketchbook for every lesson and use Google Drive for secure photo storage. School cameras are available for borrowing as needed.
Computer Access: Having a computer and printer at home is invaluable for research, analysis, and editing. For digital art, consider free online tools like Photopea.
Homework Support: Homework is set on Satchel:One. Collaborate with your child to understand tasks, attend workshops, and assist them in working from home effectively.
Feedback: Discuss verbal feedback, marking postcards, and action plans received by your child. This dialogue helps them refine and develop their work.
Stay Informed: Regularly check your emails for updates on your child's progress, important dates, deadlines, and trips. Don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns or questions.

Useful Research Websites:

For drawing, tonal, and painting tutorials, explore various online resources for valuable guidance.

Places to Visit:

Support their research and photoshoots at these locations:

Official Pearson Website:

Explore BTEC Firsts in Art and Design at Pearson's website.

By actively participating in your child's artistic journey and making use of these resources, you can help them excel in their BTEC Tech Award in Art and Design Practice.

Parental Support - GCSE Textiles

Supporting GCSE Textiles Students

Key Dates:

MOCK Exam and Coursework Deadline (60% of GCSE): Timetabled for December in year 11.
Exam Papers Handed Out (40% of GCSE Grade): Released on January 1st. Followed by 10 weeks of exam preparatory work, accounting for 75% of their exam mark.
Exam and Exam Preparation Deadline: Timetabled for Late March

What You Can Do Together:

Collaborating with your child can significantly boost their progress. Here's how:

Engage in Their Work: Regularly discuss their latest designs and samples. Encourage them to explain their choices and future plans.
Exam Paper Theme Selection: After Christmas, they receive their exam papers with a choice of 7 themes. Help them select a motivating theme to research, explore, and respond to effectively.
Practice and Observation: Encourage observational drawings related to their work, including photographs. Strengthen their textile work by capturing relevant images for their project theme through photography.
Attend Workshops: Support their attendance at the textiles workshop, available every Monday and Thursday after school. They will receive teacher guidance and access to equipment for coursework.
Equipment and Sketchbook: Ensure they have their sketchbook for every lesson. Some students have sewing machines, but it's not essential. School provides Bernina sewing machines for home use if needed. Fabric, equipment, and embellishments are available in the department, but specialized materials may need to be sourced independently.
Computer Access: A home computer and printer are valuable for research, analysis, and coursework. They can use Satchel:One for assignments.
Homework Support: Homework is coursework and set on Satchel:One. Collaborate with your child to understand tasks, attend workshops, and help with sample production as needed.
Feedback: Discuss verbal feedback, marking postcards, and action plans received in sketchbooks. Support your child in implementing suggested improvements.
Stay Informed: Check your emails regularly for updates on progress, important dates, deadlines, and trips. Don't hesitate to reach out with concerns.

Useful Research Websites:

Places to Visit:

Support their research and inspiration by visiting:

Official AQA Website:

Explore further details on the AQA website: https://www.aqa.org.uk.

By actively engaging with your child's textile studies and utilizing these resources, you can help them excel in their GCSE Textiles coursework and exams.

Parental Support - GCSE Photography

Supporting Photography GCSE Students

Important Dates

MOCK Exam and Coursework Deadline (60% of GCSE): Timetabled December year 11.
Exam Papers Handed Out (40% of GCSE Grade): Released 1^st January. Following this: 10 weeks of exam preparatory work which counts as 75% of their exam mark.
Exam and Exam Preparation deadline: Timetabled Late March

What you can do together

Talk to them about their work. Ask them to show you their latest trials and photoshoots, justify their work and explain what they plan to do next and why.

After Christmas students receive their exam papers. The exam board offers a range of 7 themes from which the students select which they want to research, explore and respond to. Discuss this with your child to support them in selecting a motivating theme.

Practice. Encourage them to practice by having their camera out with them and taking every opportunity to practice their photography by capturing anything and everything from shopping trips to family events and holidays.

Workshops. Photography workshop runs every Monday and Thursday after school. Students are expected to attend the art department where they will supported by their teachers and have access to equipment in order to complete, refine and extend their coursework. We also welcome students before school and at lunchtime.

Be Equipped. Students need their sketchbook every lesson. The latest homework should be presented inside. They also need their SD cards, USB stick or cables in order to upload their photoshoots or ‘Google drive’ is proving to be a reliable way for students to transport and upload their photos, they just need to remember to upload them prior to the lesson.

Many of you buy cameras for your children, which we really appreciate but it is not essential. In school they use Nikon entry level DSLR cameras for their photo-shoots and can book these out to bring home overnight, weekends and holidays. For some shoots automatic cameras or mobile phone cameras are sufficient.

Access to a computer and printer at home is helpful for their artist and context research and analysis, accessing Satchel:One and uploading, storing and printing photoshoots. In school the students use Photoshop to edit, manipulate or animate their photos and media trials. This is great but expensive. https://www.photopea.com/ is a free online scaled down version students can use at home.

Homework. Homework is coursework and is set on Satchel:One https://www.satchelone.com/. You also have access to this site. Support your child by checking their understanding, talking through their ideas, expecting them to attend workshop and helping them to get out to do photoshoots when required.

Responding to Feedback: Students receive verbal feedback every lesson advising how to refine and develop their work. In addition they get marking postcards and, when approaching deadlines, individual action plans in their sketchbooks. Discuss these refinements and actions with your children and support them with completing the tasks.

Please check your emails. We will email or call home when we are concerned about your child’s progress or understanding and with reminders of important dates, deadlines and trips. Please contact us with any concerns.

Useful Research Websites: https://www.thisiscolossal.com/, https://www.featureshoot.com/, https://www.worldphoto.org/, https://theartyteacher.com/

Places to Visit: The Tate: https://www.tate.org.uk, The Photographers Gallery: https://thephotographersgallery.org.uk/, The National Portrait Gallery: https://www.npg.org.uk/, The Saatchi Gallery: https://www.saatchigallery.com/

AQA Website: https://www.aqa.org.uk