Art and Design
The GCSE course includes a foundation training in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, three-dimensional and mixed media studies, and an appreciation of their context in the History of Art. In the second year of the course the pupils can specialise in one specific discipline. The GCSE result is based on a final assessment of three major coursework pieces, accounting for 60% of the total mark, together with a controlled examination for the remaining 40%.
The pupils will visit the London galleries at least once during the course and are exposed to the work of practising artists in many disciplines through the programme of exhibitions in the Art School and Gallery No. 1.
Although we encourage all to opt for Art as a timetabled subject, provision is made for those who cannot do so by means of extra-curricular lessons on Tuesday evenings and half-holidays. The Art School’s facilities are available to all pupils every day out of lesson times, with a member of staff present.
The GCSE provides not only a firm foundation in advanced art skills for pupils of all abilities, but also encourages them to develop as independent artists through the range of work and the creative atmosphere in the department.
Three-Dimensional Studies
The Three Dimensional Studies course, which is part of the Art syllabus and taught by the Head of Department, embraces the disciplines of sculpture, drawing and architectural design. The first year of the GCSE course is tailored to the natural talents of the members of the group and encourages the ambitious development of ideas through the projects. The second year is devoted entirely to the self-directed work of the pupil. Over the past few years many Lower School and Sixth Form artists have made sculpture that has referred to architecture for its shape and design. Some have subsequently used the work for their portfolio submissions to gain entry to university architecture courses. Recently Reptonians have taken up places at Glasgow School of Art, Kingston University, Bath, The Architectural Association and the Bartlett School of Architecture, London University.
The Art Department has set up links with the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at Nottingham University. A programme of reciprocal visits is planned with the tutors and students from the University.