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Visual Arts (HL and SL)

Creativity is Intelligence having fun. Albert Einstein 

The course provides thoughtful, meaningful and harmonious balance to academic pursuits by encouraging students to investigate and gain inspiration from the world around them. Through exploring and developing ideas and engaging with the creative process, students aim to locate their ideas within personal and international contexts. Through individual inquiries inspired by cultural art forms, students form their own viewpoint of personal expression.   

Course content

From an introduction to new skills, techniques and processes, students begin a personal journey of self-discovery and are encouraged to comment visually on the world in which they live. The initial workshops embed skills and give greater confidence within drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, digital media, sculpture and mixed media. Over a period of time, students identify strengths and weaknesses to allow them to develop their own vision as an artist.  

All students keep a sketchbook, which is essential to track their ideas, interests and influences. The key points are selected to create the Process Portfolio which becomes evidence of their sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art-making activities. At the end of the course, the resultant art works are hung to form an exhibition with an accompanying written rationale. During the entire process, students will have been inspired by and respond to art works, 3 of which are then considered in more detail to form the Comparative Study.   

Standard Level  

Higher Level  

The Process Portfolio of 9-18 screens.  

The Comparative Study of 15 screens. The Exhibition is formed by a selection of 4-7 completed artworks.  

Curatorial Rationale- max 400 words  

The Process Portfolio of 13-25 screens  

The Comparative Study of 15 screens (Higher Level students will make connections to their own creations in an additional 3-5 screens). The Exhibition is formed by a selection of 8-11 completed artworks.  

 

Curatorial Rationale- max 700 words  

Assessment 

  

Standard Level  

Higher Level  

Internal assessment  

  

  

External assessment  

  

Exhibition & Curatorial Rationale (40%)  

  

 

Process portfolio (40%)  

Comparative Study (20%)  

Exhibition & Curatorial Rationale (40%)

  

 

Process portfolio (40%)  

Comparative Study (20%)  

Enrichment 

Participation in regional and national competitions, Students run clubs for younger students, involvement with CAS projects with West Kent College and the Scott’s Project in Tonbridge.  

Further study 

Many students complete foundation courses before their specified degree. Former students have studied History of Art and Architecture degrees at the Courtauld Institute, UCL and Oxford Brookes.  

 Art feels like a complete break from everything else. It is completely unique and stepping into an art room is like a breath of fresh air.  Jessica  

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