Middle School Curriculum 2024-2026

Art and Design: Fine Art

Classical Civilastion

Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art 1FA0

OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation J199

Why study Art? Art occupies a unique position in the School curriculum, providing you with the practical and conceptual skills to go on a highly rewarding and creative personal journey. A special language of self-expression and communication, it combines intuition, intellect and emotion. Studying Art teaches you to think and act critically and creatively, and such creativity is essential in a world that covets a knowledgeable, imaginative and innovative workforce. What does the course cover? Pupils will engage with portraiture, culminating in a large-scale acrylic piece, tackle graphic illustration and examine contemporary artists. Pupils develop a sculpture, including an introduction to wire, willow and felt, and various other forms such as jewellery and ceramics. In the S11 year, artists will produce a mixed media textile piece, touching on screen-printing, lino printing, and free-motion embroidery. Drawing and Draftsmanship runs as the central thread of the course and forms the foundation for the wider art, craft and design work undertaken. The final examination outcome is very independent and presents a real opportunity for individual expression.

Why study Classical Civilisation? If you left Latin behind in Senior 8, this is your opportunity to leap back into the fascinating exploration of the ancient world without the vocabulary quizzes and declension concerns! All of the material in GCSE Classical Civilisation is studied in English and no knowledge of ancient languages is required. Increasingly, top institutions and employers are realising that the number of young people studying traditional Classics has declined, yet the need for the broad knowledge base and ability to interpret past cultures remains a key concern for universities and employers alike. The unique merit of Classical Civilisation is that it crosses many disciplines. Within its units of study there are opportunities to examine history, society, politics, literature, religion and archaeology - all in the context of the Greek and Roman civilisations that have had such a profound influence on our own culture. Classical Civilisation is a good choice for those who are attracted to the study of ancient cultures and enjoy the history and literature encountered in other subjects.

What does the course cover? The Myth and Religion unit is a study of both Greek and Roman religious ideas and practices, including stories of the gods and heroes. Pupils investigate the sacrifices and festivals of both the Greeks and the Romans, their pantheon of gods and incredible religious structures that stand to this day. There are extracts from literature (in English), studies of their art, and an examination of their foundation stories, which all go towards shedding light on how the Greeks and Romans perceived themselves in the wider ancient world. The HomericWorld unit takes us even further back in time to before the Bronze Age Collapse of 1100BC. Through the study of the remains of theMycenaean culture, learners gain an understanding of civilisation more broadly, by examining the trade practices, arts, crafts and philosophical beliefs of this Greek culture. To complement these studies, we read extracts fromHomer’s epic the Odyssey, chartingOdysseus’ ill-fated attempts to return to his home and family after the fall of Troy, which some studies suggest occurred around 1200BC. How is the course assessed? The final grade is based on performance in two written examinations: Paper 1: Thematic Study: Myth and Religion 50% of final mark 1 hour 30 minutes Paper 2: Culture and Society: HomericWorld 50% of final mark 1 hour 30 minutes

How is the course assessed? The final grade awarded is based on the NEA portfolio and the examination piece. Both are internally marked and moderated by an external assessor. There is an exhibition at the end of the course.

Component 1: Non-Examination Assessment: Portfolio 60% of final mark

Projects are internally set using established themes that give pupils the opportunity to develop a variety of personal and meaningful responses to artworks. This usually takes the form of supporting sketchbooks (where ideas are fostered and artworks are analysed), an A1 portfolio of larger works and some three dimensional work.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment 40% of final mark

The Externally Set Assignment offers fifteen possible starting points including themes, visual assignments and written briefs. This paper is released by the board in January and pupils complete ‘preparatory studies’ during lessons and with guidance from their teacher. This period of preparation culminates in the examination where pupils produce an unaided response (or responses) within a 10-hour time frame. The examination is completed in the Art Studios and usually takes place over two consecutive days.