Enrichment in art and design

Summary

This exemplar outlines how pupils who are gifted and talented pupils in art and design are identified, and the specialist provision that is made for them. We provide a substantial enrichment programme for all pupils who study the subject, and are thus also able to provide extra support for pupils who show distinctive ability in the subject.

Identification

The assessment procedure for all pupils relies on an assessment booklet, completed by the pupil and the art teachers. This assessment booklet, together with the personal and professional judgement of the staff, is used to identify the ability level of pupils. All decisions take careful account of relevant statistics, including grades and national data on achievement and attainment in art and design. This system identifies those pupils deemed gifted and talented in the subject, which the school estimates is about three per cent of the cohort.

Description

Enrichment is an important element in provision, and it is important therefore that pupils see examples of art and design beyond school by visiting galleries and exhibitions, as well as visiting studios and working alongside artists. The intention of the enrichment programme is to ensure that pupils’ practical and intellectual skills are further developed. They should also be able to relate and discuss their work and its progress, and make formal and informal connections with other artists. We use information sheets and stimulus boards as a major element in our approach to teaching. Teaching is largely by project, demonstration, and one-to-one teaching. Staff also recognise the value of peer group support, with pupils being encouraged to work alongside each other and learn from the progress of various group members.

The staff value the establishment of an appropriate professional atmosphere, style and manner as key elements in ensuring successful and effective work. As an example of a current project, pupils are working one evening a week in the town's Winter Gardens, alongside a professional artist, in an environment that includes public access. They are expected to respect the environment in which they work, keep it clean and tidy, and be responsible for the materials and simple equipment used. Behaviour, attitude and punctuality are the responsibility of the pupils involved, and a highly professional working atmosphere is expected. All the pupils respond extremely well, and the quality and nature of their work reflects this. In fact, better results have been observed where pupils work in the evenings with specific artists after school in demanding circumstances, than in the normal school timetabled sessions.

Evaluation

This is an effective example of how the department uses an assessment and tracking system to identify pupils who are exceptionally able, together with an enrichment programme to ensure that all pupils are properly challenged to reach their full potential. The assessment procedure has resulted in the growth of an implicit tutorial system that properly recognises the individual needs of pupils. This is helpful for all pupils, but particularly those with special talent, ensuring that their talent and interest is properly recorded and fostered.