Imagination and independence of thought are fundamental to our view of art education. Our role is in helping learners understand the world and themselves through art – and develop their creativity as a transferable life skill.
We are also part of the Year 7 Specialist Schools Curriculum, and run a Ceramics module as part of the School of Expression and a Printmaking module as part of the School of Creativity.
Please visit the gallery for pictures from our Artist Open House & Art Enrichment.
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
SCOTT ADAMS
Why study this subject?
A GCSE in Art & Design is an important part of the progression route towards a wide range of careers in areas such as architecture, landscape design, graphic design, fashion design, film and animation, furniture design, textile design, primary and secondary teaching, publishing, book illustration, web design, ceramics, art curator, museum curator, freelance artist, game designer, product designer and interior designer. If you choose to look for a job, you will have a portfolio of work that will evidence your ability to pursue a GCSE course in art and design, covering different assignments and producing a range of work.
Topics of Study and Assignments
In Years 7 and 8 students complete 6 units of work covering a wide range of media, materials and techniques. Students explore and investigate the work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers from around the world, both contemporary and historical. The work ranges from 2D: painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, photography and the use of IT, to 3D: card/wire construction and ceramics.
Students are introduced to the assessment criteria for GCSE from Year 7, in order to familiarise them with the structure of the course from an early point in their secondary art education.
From Year 9 onwards, students start to prepare for their GCSE Art course through experimental drawing and deeper exploration of media, materials and techniques. They investigate the work of other, relevant artists in relation to their own visual work and produce outcomes that they analyse and improve upon.
The Team
Sue Attia has been teaching Art for 15 years and has a degree in Fine Art from Kingston University. Prior to teaching, Sue was a self-employed illustrator.
Claire Cossey has been teaching for 16 years and has degree in Fine Art Print Making from Brighton University. She has worked at Fabrica Gallery in Brighton and has exhibited her printmaking work.
Claudia Sweeting has a First Class BA Hons Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration, specialising in printmaking. She completed her GTP Teacher Training at Goldsmiths London qualifying in 2002. She joined the department in January 2012.
Events and Activities
Year 11 GCSE exhibition as part of the Brighton Festival Artists Open House.
Termly celebration and awards for excellent art work across all year groups. Rolling in-house exhibition of student work, including Brighton University linked Printmaking club.
Extra-curricular Activities
Print Making - students get the opportunity to experiment with a range of printing techniques from collagraph to lino printing. They will look at the work of artists and print-makers to inspire their own work. Students will also get the chance to work on a printing press.
Craft Club - Students can try out a range of techniques and media, including paper craft, ceramics, mixed media, construction etc. Be inspired by a range of artists work and develop their designing and making skills.
Art GCSE catch up - Students can come and complete any outstanding GCSE coursework or homework with the support of a GCSE Art teacher.
Contact
Email: helensevink@varndean.co.uk
Twitter: @varndeanartdept
We have launched a virtual tour of our 100 First Women exhibition. Come and explore our online gallery. https://t.co/SHUPj8c9Fb @FirstWomenUK https://t.co/B05mLa00WW
We are proud to present this years stunning GCSE artwork in our virtual exhibition in place of our usual #openhouse OUR LAUNCH IS TODAY! Please leave comments about what works you like. https://t.co/KtpyuxZRIa #gcseart #ceramics #art #Brighton #C4ArtClub https://t.co/rlMlAIE2te
This year our Varndean Artist Open House is going virtual! OUR LINK GOES LIVE TOMORROW! Very much looking forward to showing you the students wonderful work and hearing your feedback. #brighton #artgcse #art #ceramics https://t.co/reFZ5PlTP4
Our Varndean Artist Open House is going virtual! Year 11 students have worked very hard to produce stunning artwork which we are proud to showcase via the Varndean School website- Launch on 22/5/20 @VarndeanSchool @artistshouses @FivewaysArtists @brightfest #Brighton #gcseart https://t.co/CMI0cdx4BU