Creative Arts
The Creative Arts department at Knowl Hill School is a vibrant with imagination, self-expression, and practical skills. The department consists of a range of sub-departments, including art, photography, textiles, drama, spiritual, moral social and cultural education (SMSC), cookery and music. Creative arts allows children to engage in multiple different learning styles in different environments e.g. noisy environments, as well as allowing them to be exposed to environments where multiple tasks are going on in one room. Every student has the opportunity to explore their creativity, grow in confidence, and learn new ways to engage with the world.
- Art, photography and textiles - Art offers the chance to explore colour, texture, and technique while developing a personal creative voice. Photography teaches composition, storytelling, and digital editing, encouraging learners to see the world through a different lens. In Textiles, students combine fabric, design and construction to produce expressive and functional outcomes.
- Cookery - cooking is a valuable life skill so during cooking lessons, students are taught how to use kitchen equipment e.g., knives and ovens safely under the watchful eye of their teacher.
- SMSC - (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education) is also delivered as a dedicated subject, giving students time and space to reflect on their identity, values, and place in the world. Together, our creative arts curriculum support students in becoming thoughtful, imaginative, and well-rounded individuals.
- Music and Drama - Students are able to build teamwork, empathy and confidence through performance, improvisation, and role play. They experiment with rhythm and sound- building listening skills and self- expression.
Exam related Information
Art
Art GCSE Art and Design (Art, Craft and Design) - 8201
AQA GCSE Art, Craft and Design requires students to produce a non-exam assessment (NEA) portfolio of work in a series of themed sketchbooks as well as undertaking an externally set assignment (ESA). The ESA concludes with a 10-hour supervised practical exam in April of Year 11.
The Art, Craft and Design course at KHS is a popular and successful subject option. It gives all students the opportunity to develop their own creative interests and ideas, whilst following structured units of work. Students who choose GCSE Art, Craft and Design should enjoy painting, drawing and working with a range of materials and should be prepared to experiment with them. Art, Craft and Design is a good choice if students are not sure what they are good at yet and want the freedom to explore and discover their strengths.
Throughout the course, students will learn about the ways in which a range of artist from different times and cultures have worked and use this knowledge to inform their skills and ideas. All work is coursework, and it is compulsory to keep a sketchbook, both in class and for regular homework. Pupils need to be organised, consistent, and resilient and be prepared to work hard. They should be open to try new ideas and techniques, have a keen interest in producing work outside lessons and make regular visits to galleries.
Photography
AQA GCSE Art and Design (Photography) - 8206
AQA GCSE Photography requires pupils to produce a non-exam assessment (NEA) portfolio of work in a series of themed sketchbooks, as well as undertaking an externally set assignment (ESA). The externally set assignment concludes with a 10-hour supervised practical exam in April of Year 11.
In Photography, students will develop a broad range of analogue and digital photography skills throughout the course. An enthusiasm to capture images and learn about cameras, both film and digital, is key. Students should be keen to shoot on location and in the studio and be curious to explore the possibilities of traditional dark room photography. Photography is a fun, practical and technical course that explores lens and light-based media. Proficiency in ICT is important.
Like Art, Craft and Design, students will learn about the ways in which a range of Artist’s and Photographers from different times and cultures have worked and use this knowledge to inform their skills and ideas. All work is coursework, and it is compulsory to keep a sketchbook, both in class and for regular homework. Students need to be organised, consistent, and resilient and be prepared to work hard. They should be open to try new ideas and photographic techniques, have a keen interest in producing work outside lessons and make regular visits to galleries.
Textiles
AQA GCSE Art and Design (Textiles) - 8204
AQA GCSE Textile Design students are required to produce a non-exam assessment (NEA) portfolio of work in a series of themed sketchbooks, as well as undertaking an externally set assignment (ESA). The externally set assignment concludes with a 10-hour supervised practical exam in April of Year 11.
GCSE Textile Design allows students to extend their artistic skills into woven materials. Students should have an interest in fashion, costumes, print making and textile art. They should want to be challenged and willing to explore specialist textiles techniques such as hand and machine embroidery, pattern cutting and construction, creative dying, fabric manipulation and embellishment. Textile Design is a vibrant and varied course that promotes wearable Art.
Like Art, Craft and Design and Photography, students will learn about the ways in which a range of Artist’s from different times and cultures have worked and use this knowledge to inform their skills and ideas. All work is coursework, and it is compulsory to keep a sketchbook, both in class and for regular homework. Students need to be organised, consistent, and resilient and be prepared to work hard. They should be open to try new ideas and textiles techniques, have a keen interest in producing work outside lessons and make regular visits to galleries.
Please see the following link for more information on the subject:
Home Cooking Skills
Pearson Edexcel Home Cooking Skills - Level 1 and Level 2
The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Home Cooking skills have been developed to give pupils the opportunity to develop:
- The knowledge, understanding and confidence to cook meals at home
- An ability to transfer skills learned in different recipes
- An understanding of how to economise when planning a meal
- An ability to inspire others by transferring that knowledge
Students who achieve the BTEC Home Cooking Skills Level 1 qualification in Year 10 can progress on to the BTEC Home Cooking Skills Level 2 qualification in Year 11, which is equivalent to a grade 4 at GCSE.
The aim of the qualification is to give students the basic skills and knowledge to be able to cook for themselves in a healthy and cost-effective way for the rest of their lives, as well as gain the confidence to share these skills with friends and family. It should also give a foundation for those pupils considering pursuing a career in catering or hospitality.
Please see the following link for more information on the subject: