Art at John Lyon School is based on teaching pupils the traditional skills, from which they can develop and express ideas in a variety of media and styles. We focus on drawing, painting, printmaking and 3D skills as well as developing contextual knowledge related to a broad range of artists. 

Pupils are motivated and prepared to experiment with both media and ideas to develop a broad range of skills, which they will continue to develop as they progress through the School. 

In Year 8, pupils develop their research skills through exploration of the work of artists and designers, which is then combined with practical skills development. The focus is to develop knowledge and understanding of media and processes to communicate ideas considering IT, print, 3D and fine art. 

By the third year Art becomes an option subject, giving pupils a further year of studying Art before making a decision about GCSE choices. 

In Year 9 we review pupils’ skills to date and access the students who enter the school at 13+, through a series of drawing and observational exercises. From this we develop all pupils’ skills through differentiated teaching and learning, with a focus on traditional skills and creativity. We also focus on developing pupils’ analytical skills through written and verbal studies of artists, individual and peer work, focusing on the use of appropriate artistic terminology. Pupils complete the ‘portraiture’ project where they explore the work of artists and designers to produce a body of work based on the theme. Leading to exploration of the self, represented by traditional portraiture, this leads into a graphic pop art project as the year continues. 

At GCSE we follow a fine art syllabus, allowing pupils and teachers to focus on the development of traditional drawing and painting skills alongside more contemporary disciplines including graphics, animation, print and 3D work. Knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design are developed through research, the development of ideas and making activities work from first-hand experience and, where appropriate, secondary source materials. We encourage personal exploration and experimentation with both ideas and media. All GCSE Art pupils receive excellent access to our studios at lunchtime and after school. 

A-Level Art and Design (Fine Art) introduces students to a variety of experiences exploring a range of media, processes and techniques. Areas of study include painting, drawing and mixed media, collage and assemblage, sculpture and installation, printmaking, animation, photography and video. A printmaking, photographic and animation studio is housed in AD3, as well as two purpose-built classrooms, a kiln room and photographic darkroom. Students are encouraged to use these facilities during free periods, lunchtimes and before school to develop their individual work. 

A qualification in Art and Design demonstrates a student’s capacity to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation. It will also allow students to develop enquiry skills as well as the ability to modify and refine work as it progresses, visually presenting ideas and research.