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How Art & Design contributes to the Curriculum
Art is a vehicle that conveys a multi-cultural world, without barriers or prejudice, contributing to an unbiased learning experience. The Art Department aims to provide pupils with an environment that encourages pupils to express their ideas and insights of the world around them, increasing confidence and self-awareness. Whilst each subject maintains its own curriculum identity, the sharing of knowledge, skills, expertise and resources is enabling the provision of a unique educational experience for Northgate pupils. Central to this experience is the development of ‘creativity’ both as a means of expression and as a fundamental ingredient of innovation.
Curriculum Map
Knowledge Organisers
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
GCSE
GCSE board and A level board studied
Exam Board: AQA
You can find the current GCSE specification here
Students are able to continue studying Art & Design at A Level – You can find out more about our A Level Art & Design courses (incl. Fine Art, Textiles, Graphics and Photography) at Dereham Sixth Form here
Working Independently
Below are a number of links to resources available to support independent learning:
Assessment in Art & Design
Access Go4Schools to your child’s current progress in Art
KS3 students use self-assessment descriptors (KPI’s) to assess their own learning and teachers reinforce this on how to improve their work with regular feedback. Lessons include peer assessment and work is regularly displayed to celebrate success.
GCSE students are rigorously monitored and progress checked. Sketchbooks are regularly assessed and feedback is given both verbally and on post it notes within sketchbooks. Students are encouraged to refine and develop work as it progresses in order for all students to reach or exceed their full potential. There is an exhibition of work at the end of every Art & Design GCSE course to give parents and staff the opportunity to celebrate and commend the efforts and talents of the students.
Personal Development and Cultural Capital in Art & Design
The Design Department is committed to extending and enriching all pupils’ experiences within the broad field of ‘design’. In addition to the regular lunchtime and after-school clubs, we have numerous extra-curricular events throughout the year. Practising artists, designers and museums are drawn upon to run workshops and activity days, and upper school pupils broaden their understanding of the world of design through a variety of visits.
The Design Department also holds an annual exhibition to showcase the work of our GCSE students. You can view photographs of work from previous exhibitions here
Who Teaches Art & Design
Head of Department:
Mrs. M. Mottley, B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Other Staff:
Miss C. Lock, B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Miss Lock teaches Graphic Design and also specialises in Textiles. She has experience working within the textiles industry. Miss Lock has coordinated outreach with local primary schools and also coordinated the GoGoCreate project for KS3 in conjunction with NEACO and the charity ‘Break’.
Ms. S. Moran, B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Ms. Moran studied Ceramics and Sculpture at Camberwell College of Art and Design and completed her PGCE at the London Institute. She often gets involved in a variety of local community art projects.
Ms. S. Nunn, B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Ms Nunn completed Foundation Art at Ulster University, her Bachelor of Arts from Falmouth School of Art and her MA at Slade School of Fine Art. Since graduating, Ms Nunn has worked in a variety of gallery and community organisations to promote the visual arts alongside her own work as a creative practitioner.
Mrs. D. Nimmock.
Mrs Nimmock has worked at Northgate since 2005 where she has very much enjoyed her time. She is passionate about Textiles and thoroughly enjoys teaching it to both KS3 & KS4. As well as time in the classroom, Mrs Nimmock enjoys taking part in visits both locally and further afield.