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Buxton Community School

Buxton Community School

Art

Head of Department:  Mr Michael Moore   (michael.moore@buxon.derbyshire.sch.uk)

Art is an essential aspect of the school and the wider community. We have strong links with local artists and craftspeople, and we support and contribute to galleries and festivals as well as holding our own exhibitions. Our curriculum is based on providing students with as many opportunities and artistic guidance as we can, and we are incredibly proud of what our students, past and present, have achieved.

Click here to see some of what we do.


Key Stage 3

In Year 7, 8 and 9, we support every child regardless of their ability. Students are taught formal elements in Art from an early point and these are built upon in subsequent projects, gradually increasing in difficulty up until GCSE.

Examples of projects studied at Key Stage Three:

  • Colour and Colour Theory
  • Little Monsters (ceramic)
  • Sweets
  • Mexican Day of the Dead
  • Microscopic Cells
  • Perspective
  • Hundertwasser Inspired Portraits
  • Birds
  • Maps

Projects will vary year on year.

Key Stage 4 

At GCSE (examined through AQA) the students are expected to produce two units of work for their portfolio (unit one). Unit two is an examination paper marked by us and then externally moderated. Portfolio = 60% - Examination = 40%.

Programmes of Study focus on the four objectives set by the examination board:

  • Research & Investigation (25%)
  • Experimentation & Refinement (25%)
  • Observation & Annotation (25%)
  • Final Outcome (25%)

Examples of projects studied at GCSE:

  • Marine Life
  • Anatomy
  • Natural Form
  • Portraiture

The sketchbook forms an integral part and supports any work produced in school.