Design Faculty
Photo: A Level Art coursework on display in the Design Centre
Art & Design
Central to the ethos of the Art and Design department is the belief that every child can be taught to draw, and as a result of learning these skills, achieve a significant measure of success. The department endeavours to develop a visual intelligence and an aesthetic awareness so that each pupil learns to respond creatively and in a personal way to their observations of the natural and man-made world. All work is structured; underpinned with objective drawing, supported by contextual research, developed on worksheets and realised in a finished artefact. This work is celebrated through lively sketchbooks and exhibitions.
At Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, pupils work in two and three dimensions: in 3D construction, Drawing, Painting and Printmaking. The department considers that having the ability to draw is the key to expressing ideas and feelings. To this end, pupils are encouraged to work independently, researching and developing their ideas from primary sources and direct experience. In order to deepen their understanding, they are also encouraged to explore contextual influences from contemporary and historical works of art.
At Key Stage 5 pupils are given the opportunity to extend their contextual knowledge with the provision of a residential trip to London, where they visit a number of galleries including the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain.
In 2009, Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils travelled to Bristol to see the ‘Banksy Versus Bristol Museum’ exhibition. Raising awareness of current and contemporary exhibitions enables each pupil to develop their own responses by creating a body of work that is unique.
The open plan structure of the department encourages integration between the disciplines and a more natural transition from one area of study to another. This not only allows for enrichment and extension within a group, but also makes full use of the excellent facilities available. It is customary to encourage pupils to develop a spirit of enquiry and investigation through structured courses. In this way pupils gain confidence in the use of a variety of materials, which in turn enables them to express themselves creatively, to be enthusiastic and to enjoy their art work.
Design Technology
St Edward’s equips its pupils with the necessary and relevant skills to embrace today’s vibrant, modern and technological society.
Opened by the Duke of Gloucester in June 1988, the Design Centre has a range of technologies and equipment to accommodate Design & Technology. The College recognises that pupils best learn about technology through active involvement and this is achieved through the use of four specialist workshops as well as a caring and committed staff. The Centre has its own ICT suite and dedicated software packages, such as 2D Design and Pro Desktop, to enable pupils to undertake a range of subject specific activities to design, develop and manufacture products successfully.
All pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow a Key Stage 3 course designing and making a range of products, which in recent years have included mobile phone caddies, fabric bags, timepieces and winter hats.
Each year pupils can opt to complete a GCSE in Resistant Materials or Textiles Technology undertaking designing and making activities with metal, plastic and wood or through textiles.
The department offers Product Design at A Level, providing students with a choice of studying either the 3D element or Textiles Technology. These courses provide a natural progression from the GCSEs the pupils have studied and allow them to choose their own product study within the compulsory set material.
Resistant Materials students at GCSE have been very successful in attaining Arkwright Scholarships. The scholarship, named after the famous 18th century inventor, Richard Arkwright, is a national initiative for rewarding excellence in DT and is only awarded to pupils after a comprehensive examination and interview process. Of the 770 applicants who applied in 2009 only 240 actual scholarships were awarded. The College has had many successful scholars over the last ten years including Anthony Hogan and Simon Stanley who went on to study Architecture and Engineering at Liverpool University respectively. Our most recent successful candidate is Beatrice Gibaud who recently began her Sixth Form studies.
Each year during the month of June a small exhibition is put on showing the work of pupils in Years 11, 12 and 13. Both folder work and practical products are displayed to show the progression of the project from start to finish.