Grange School Visual Arts College

The department operates 4 main teaching areas: Graphics, Fine Art, Surface Design and Ceramics. These are taught throughout the key stages 3 and 4.
The foundation of teaching is to experience a range of skills and materials in years 7 and 8 to build on and develop these skills in year 9. Pupils will then have a firm grounding in all the necessary skills, which can be developed and brought to fruition if they select an art option at exam level.

Graphics

Due to the funding we have recieved from our successful Arts College bid we have been able to build a graphic design suite. This is equipped with networked computers for a whole class as well as six additional "drop-in" terminals. The area also has a traditional classroom space forworking with non-electrical media. Graphics is an integral part of our rotational teaching policy as well as being offered as a specialist option at exam level.

Fine Art

This area concentrates on the foundation skills of drawing through carefull observation and offers pupils the chance to work with a range of wet and dry painting and drawing materials. Final outcomes often take the form of acrylic paintings, but can also incorporate a range of mixed media techniques. Recently pupils work has achieved credit at the annual Greater Manchester Schools Exhibition held at the portico Gallery. Two portraits have been selected for the Portrait UK exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and will eventually be on the national tour.

Ceramics

Pupils learn the logical processes involved in constructing three-dimensional forms. At key stage 3 they will be provided with an initial stimulus and encouraged to alter / Change drawings using enlarging, simplfying, repeating, mirroring and rotating. The final outcome will be a susculptural form or vessel, usually made in clay. At key stage 4 pupils will take a more individual approach, constructing larger scale, adventurous outcomes, also learning about the possibilities of various glazing techniques.

Surface Design

Pupils are taught how to develop an understanding of the tactile qualities of a variety of surfaces and develop experience in experimenting with a range of materials and processes. During key stage 3 work may take the form of a print block, collage, relief sculpture or decorative / ornamental piece. At key stage 4 work will become more intense and will also take the form of fabric panels, soft sculptures and costume designs. Batik and resist methods are frequently used then enriched with hand and machine stitch.