Art & Design
Staff
Mr Sizer - Head of Department
Miss Izzard - Head of Key Stage 3
Miss Harris - Head of Key Stage 5
Miss Gill
Miss Arojojoye
Department Overview
The Art Department at Barking Abbey School is dedicated to delivering a broad range of study that spans many creative disciplines for all key stages. The visual arts are a fundamental part of the cultural heritage of every student and as such, enhance the quality of life. Art is the medium that allows us to connect our imaginations with the history of human existence. Studying civilisation and creative expression throughout history and across cultures enables students to experience diversity and is multiculturalism in practice. Art helps students develop the attitudes, characteristics and intellectual skills required to participate effectively in today's society and economy.
Our comprehensive Art programme enhances cognitive development, social skills, self-esteem, and most importantly, allows for self-expression in an environment that always welcomes personal opinions. As learners progress through the key stages, it is intended that their reasoning, imagination, dexterity and intuition will increase and they learn to analyse, critique, defend, ask what-if questions and explore alternative points of view, enabling them to be effective, able and creative visual communicators.
Curriculum Content
Key Stage 5
At A level, students have 4/5 lessons per week with well-qualified and specialist teachers experiencing workshop-based modules leading to highly personalised study in their preferred chosen theme of study. Barking Abbey offers Art and Design and Graphic Design at this level. The department has been involved in long term collaborations with the University Of The Arts and through this students are encouraged to attend workshops at Central St Martins, Chelsea College and Camberwell.
The AQA examiners have always praised the high standards achieved by our students and admire the individuality and artistic style that each candidate is encouraged to develop through expert guidance and support from their Art and Design teacher.
ARTSMARK Gold - The varied and extensive Visual Arts curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities has significantly contributed to the achievement of gaining the highest Arts Award. This is an award created by the Arts Council of Great Britain, which provides a rigorous assessment of the level of Art provision provided by an educational establishment. Our Gold Award recognises that both our students' work and our Arts provision both inside and outside the classroom is excellent. A few examples of our enrichment provision: creativity days, comprehensive daily extra-curricular activities, Arts Award club, long term partnerships with external organisations and colleges, visits to galleries, visiting artists to the school, international projects.
"The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before."
Neil Gaiman
