A balanced programme of study

Though individual art and design courses may differ in content, when following a balanced programme of art and design activities pupils are likely to engage in theoretical and practical activities intended to:

  • Develop their observational skills by recording both what is seen and recalled from memory.
  • Provide the opportunity to express both their inner feelings and the world of their imagination, and explore issues and ideas through visual means.
  • Develop an understanding of the language of art: the visual elements of line, tone, colour, texture, shape, pattern and form, and use these elements for expressive means.
  • Introduce them to a range of artists and designers from different cultures in order to develop their knowledge, and their capacity to understand and criticise their own, and others' work, through both verbal and practical activities

Practical work may involve both exploration and teaching of skills in a range of artistic media and processes, including drawing, painting, printing, collage, modelling and constructing, in both two and three dimensions. A talented pupil may excel in one or more of these areas, so breadth of study is important.