Visual Arts

Head of Art Mrs M Montague

The Art Department is well resourced with two general art studios plus two sixth form rooms. There is an area which has a variety of visual material, including a wide selection of Art books, videos and DVDs. Each room is also equipped with an Apple Mac and there are both colour printing and scanning facilities in the department. There are also facilities for printmaking and ceramics, (including a kiln).

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed to deliver a large variety of skills, and critical/historical studies and multicultural undertakings are relevant in many projects. Homework is given on a weekly basis and is usually linked to a project.

At Key Stage 4 we offer an Unendorsed GCSE (AQA), which enables students to explore a variety of media and techniques. These include various different printmaking techniques such as Silkscreen, Batik and Lino-printing, as well as a wide selection of drawing and painting media. Three Dimensional work is explored through the use of clay, modroc and papier-mache. Digital images using photography and Photoshop also plays an important part in many projects and students have access to school and departmental digital cameras.

The Advanced Level examination (AQA) is also without endorsement and incorporates and builds on the aims of the GCSE course. Students begin the course with more teacher led projects but over the two years are increasingly expected to develop their own ideas and work more independently. Many students go on to study art related courses at both Foundation and Degree level.

The Art Department is a busy place, with students attending the two art clubs which are run every week, as well as continuing work during study periods and during the evenings, when allocated art rooms remain open.

The Department also plays an active role in the life of Kent College, taking part in International Arts Week, the school's Summer Activities programme and working with other departments such as Dance, Drama and Music. We are also responsible for the extensive displays around the school of students' work and regularly update and change work.

Internal competitions take place at various times and we also have a programme of visiting artists as well as school visits to galleries and exhibitions.

The Art Department is a happy and creative place where students feel comfortable working and we aim to provide an inspiring and welcoming environment in which students can work. This is clearly reflected in the wonderful art work the students produce.