INTENT

At Looe Community Academy, our Art Department is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inspiring environment where creativity and high standards flourish. Guided by our school’s core values of Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility, we strive to create a space where students are encouraged to explore their artistic passions and reach their full potential. Respect is at the heart of our approach, as we value and celebrate the diverse talents and perspectives of every student. Resilience is a key component of our teaching philosophy, as we challenge our students to embrace new techniques, overcome creative obstacles, and persist through the artistic process. Responsibility is woven into every aspect of our department’s work, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, engage actively in their projects, and contribute to the art community both within and beyond the school.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Art Department implements its vision through a variety of structured and supportive activities. We engage students with hands-on experience in different media and techniques, promoting practical skill development. By exploring themes such as line, shape, tone, form, colour, texture, and composition, students gain foundational knowledge that empowers them to express their creativity confidently. Critical studies of traditional and contemporary artists deepen their understanding and inspire their work. Evaluative skills are developed through ongoing self and peer assessments, helping students reflect on their progress and make continuous improvements. Students' work is showcased in school exhibitions and local galleries and shared on our Instagram page @looeca_creative, creating a sense of community and pride.

Key Stage 3

 Students are introduced to key artistic skills, exploring themes including line, shape, tone, form, colour, texture, and composition. An important part of the course is the study of a range of traditional and contemporary artists to make connections with the work and to develop ideas. Students study a wide range of disciplines and are introduced to painting, 3D work, collage, cultural studies and printing. All of this is built on a foundation of the importance of good quality drawing skills. A variety of assessment strategies are used, including peer, self, teacher-led and group feedback with a focus on dedicated improvement time. Skills learnt in Art can be applied to other subjects, with a great focus in lessons on cross-curricular links. Art in key stage 3 builds on the core concepts to studying Art at GCSE.

Year 7

The emphasis during this first year is on giving the students real self-confidence in drawing, painting, and using their hands skilfully. Various techniques and examples are explored, and the fundamentals of tone, design and colour theory are reinforced. Following this, the students look at the natural world through paint and collage.

Key skills:

• Researching the work of other artists/crafts persons
• Talking about your own work and that of others in a reflective manner
• Creating realistic drawings and painting from observation
• Using peer, self and teacher feedback as a positive tool for improvement
• Learning the fundamental elements of art
• Respond to the local area
• Working from first-hand observations using and exploring a variety of media

       

Year 8/9

Year 8 and 9 builds on the previous year’s experiences and begins to consolidate students’ skills and confidence. Students work on drawing and designing, then extending their ideas into a final piece based upon the artists they have studied, materials they have used and new skills they have learnt. These are designed to work as mini GCSE projects to reinforce key concepts and give students an idea of what GCSE art is like.

Key skills:

• Critically analysing your own work and that of others
• Researching the work of other artists/crafts persons /cultures
• To work independently and in groups
• Looking at form, scale, and proportions
• Being able to take creative risks
• Using a variety of media
• Designing and creating your own final piece using your research to influence you
• Using peer, self, and teacher feedback as a positive tool for improvement
• Working from first-hand observations using and exploring a variety of media

Key Stage 4: GCSE Fine Art

The department follows the OCR syllabus. The GCSE is made up of two units. The first is the coursework component, which is worth 60% and is a themed project set each year by the art department (for example, Seaside). The second unit is the examination unit, which is worth 40% of the overall GCSE, and is from a choice of several externally set themes. Students work in sketchbooks, developing ideas, and working in a range of materials. There is a high expectation of the students to work creatively and to develop confidence in their own interests and ideas. Students have the opportunity to develop both their understanding about art and how to produce their own individual pieces of art. This course is studied over either a one or two year basis. The first term or year focuses on foundation skills, aiming to increase students’ confidence in drawing, painting and developing their ideas. They also deepen their work into the critical study of other artists using visual and written analysis. This forms the basis for their coursework, involving extensive research together with the exploration of other media. Once the coursework is complete, students prepare for the final exam. Both pieces of work require a sketchbook and a final piece to be submitted at the end.

Key skills:

• Researching the work of other artists/crafts persons/cultures
• Designing and creating your own final piece using your research to influence you
• Talking about and analysing your own work and that of others
• Being able to critically assess and evaluate your own work
• Using peer, self, and teacher feedback as a positive tool for improvement
• Working from first-hand observations using and exploring a variety of media
• Taking creative risks

IMPACT

The impact of our Art Department is reflected in the exceptional work produced by our students, which is displayed throughout the school and celebrated in various exhibitions. By fostering a culture of respect, resilience, and responsibility, we help students develop not only their artistic skills but also their confidence, perseverance, and ability to work independently. Our approach ensures that students are well-prepared for further education and diverse career possibilities in the arts. By engaging students in meaningful artistic experiences, empowering them with knowledge, and using evaluative skills to reflect on their work and the work of their peers, we ensure continuous progress. We are proud to celebrate the extraordinary talent and boundless creativity that define the Art Department at Looe.

Some careers options are Fine Artist, Illustrator, Art teacher, Art therapist, gallery curator, Web designer, Photographer, Film set designer, Costume designer, Make-up artist, Interior Designer, Architect.