DT - Creative Arts
Overview of the Art and Design Technology Faculty
The Art and Design Faculty at Durham School is committed to providing all students with a thorough understanding of the principles of Art and Design Technology. We promote awareness and understanding of the environment by encouraging imaginative thinking and curiosity. We believe that through Art and Design Technology you are 'educating for life' as art and design education should extend well beyond the classroom.
Pupils are encouraged to explore and develop their imagination, creativity, manipulative dexterity and knowledge and understanding in both subject areas by pursuing theme or project work. All is carefully linked to the aims and objectives outlined in the National Curriculum in key stage 3 and examination requirements in key stage 4 and 5.
We attempt to ensure that students gain understanding of the wider world of Art and Design Technology through our experiences as artists and designers and by utilising the expertise of other professionals. Within the school community we promote the development of cross curricular links and encourage all students to participate in the wide range of extra curricular opportunities offered within the Faculty.
Staffing
The Faculty comprises four full time members of teaching staff. Mr M Baldwin, as faculty head, is responsible for managerial and curriculum issues etc. Mr M Younger and Mr S Tween teach both Art and Design Technology while Miss N Hipkiss teaches Art. Ancillary help, on a part time, basis is provided by Mr M Robson.
Extra-curricular Opportunities
The Art and Design Faculty provide a wide and varied range of opportunities for students to further develop their interest, imagination and creative excellence. The activities take place through out the week and particularly on a Thursday afternoon.
These timetabled activities allow individual students greater access to teaching staff on a one to one basis, something which is particularly useful when working through problems in Design Technology or Art coursework. Opportunities offered include subject clinics at GCSE and AS A2 level, photography, print making, painting and drawing, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, set building, product design and graphics etc.
We are keen to support events within the school community and have organised activities to produce scenery and props for school productions etc.
Design Technology Courses
Design Technology
GCSE Graphic Products
AQA Code 3532 (Full Course)
Graphic Products is concerned with both visual imagery and the production of 3D outcomes. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a wide range of graphic techniques to create, develop and communicate solutions to problems. For example, students may be asked to design and make a board game, produce a point of sale display or design and manufacture packaging for a range of products etc.
Students follow the AQA specification. They are required to produce a coursework project which represents 60% of the total mark and should not exceed 40 hours work. Evidence required for the project consists of a 3 dimensional product and a course design folder and /or appropriate ICT evidence. An examination paper, of 2 hours duration, represents the final 40% of the assessment in which all questions are compulsory. A preparation sheet will be issued to candidates a number of weeks before the test. It will give advance notice of the design context for some questions on the paper.
Creative Arts
next event
Monitors' meeting
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Art & DT Exhibition Open Evening
Talented Art and DT pupils display their work.
Read more recent news.
photo gallery
See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.
Testimonials
"Our son is delighted with the level of learning support he receives. His teachers have encouraged him not to use his dyslexia as an excuse for under-achieving but equally give him extra time to complete his work when necessary. Since joining the school, our son has enjoyed numerous extra-curricular activities - rugby, cricket, ski trip, camping at Kielder, school drama productions, walking Bonnie (the Housemaster’s family's dog) and of course, supporting the 1st XV at Twickenham! "
Roz Lyall