Art & Photography

The positive contribution Art and Design makes to the ethos at Carshalton Boys is evident in the large amount of student work proudly displayed around the school, adding to the vibrant and creative atmosphere.

Key Stage 3

Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9, students learn the Formal Elements of Art, developing key two-dimensional and three-dimensional skills, and exploring how the visual arts have evolved across different cultures and art movements. Pupils then work towards designing and producing end-of-topic artworks, making creative decisions that showcase their individual ideas and the skills they've developed.

Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5

The GCSE and A Level Art and Photography curriculum focus is on developing portfolios based on students' chosen individual themes. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning and developing a sense of one's own artistic style. Alongside developing skills in a diverse range of techniques and processes, there is a focus at all key stages on literacy and contextual knowledge. Students learn how to research artists and photographers, analyse and evaluate artworks, and review their own creative journey.

We follow the AQA Art and Design specification. Both the GCSE and A Level courses are made up of two components: a Personal Investigation coursework portfolio (worth 60%), and an externally set assignment completed under exam conditions (worth 40%).

We have a digital media and photography studio and SLR cameras which pupils have access to during lesson and hot WOTC.

Extra-Curricular

Museum, and art gallery visits are an essential part of the curriculum in giving pupils the opportunity to experience a diverse range of exciting exhibitions at London's major venues. Annual visits include the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy and The Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize.

Teachers run lunch and after school clubs offering all students access to art facilities, the photography studio and editing software.

Our 'Artist in Residence', Jack Tanner, works enthusiastically with students in lessons and delivers bespoke technique-based workshops. As an ex-Carshalton Boys pupil and professional artist, he can provide pupils with a valuable insight into the creative journey from secondary school to art school, setting up a website, working with clients, and taking part in exhibitions and art fairs.

Destinations

The art and photography department is passionate about the arts and dedicates time to supporting students in preparing their submission portfolio for university and arts foundation interviews. We have a 100°/o success rate of pupils gaining places on some of the country's best foundation and degree courses. These include Central Saint Martins, Wimbledon College of Art, London College of Fashion, Chelsea College of Art and De Montfort University.

Key Contacts:

Art and Design subject leader: Lauren Avery - lavery@carshaltonboys.org 

Photography subject leader: Petya Gocheva – pgovheva@carshaltonboys.org