Vocational Graphics

The Art department at the Beacon of Light School is committed to providing a curriculum that is challenging and fosters a curiosity and passion for design. We match our curriculum to the abilities, interests and aspirations of our students, to give every young person the opportunity to strive for personal excellence through carefully designed and continually updated schemes of work.

The curriculum is planned to ensure it effectively delivers the core knowledge, skills and understanding required to progress to the next key stage. In equal measure we strive to engage and relate to the young people we teach by planning schemes of work which are interesting, varied and above all enjoyable. Our hope is that every student who undertakes a Graphic Design qualification can confidently demonstrate the skills, knowledge and resilience to access aspirational post-16 opportunities. They will also develop a passion for creativity and learn practical skills that they can take into their adult life.

A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.

As students' progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a rigorous understanding of art and design.

Students should:

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• become proficient in drawing, painting, printing and other art, craft and design techniques
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design and the graphical elements of colour, line, tone, composition, typography and imagery
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

Students are encouraged to develop an independent approach to their work. Students complete 4 units of work which contribute towards their final portfolio, developing graphic outcomes of their choice, developing independence when making decisions, selecting materials and techniques.

Students also complete an externally set project. The project culminates in a 10-hour exam, where pupils produce a final piece of work, bringing together their knowledge of artists’ work, experiences with materials and techniques, experimentation and planned ideas.