Fine Art

Subject Overview

Art and Design at Stonyhurst inspires pupils to explore their creativity, build technical skills, and develop their own artistic voice. From the outset, pupils are encouraged to experiment with different media, investigate themes, and produce personal and meaningful work.

In 2025, the department underwent a major expansion with the opening of our state-of-the-art studios and workshops, equipped with the latest specialist facilities. This significant investment provides an outstanding environment for creativity, combining traditional practices with contemporary approaches to art and design.

Pupils benefit from purpose-built spaces, access to both traditional and digital resources, and opportunities to work with visiting artists and industry experts. The department also draws on Stonyhurst’s unique museum and historic collections, enriching learning through direct engagement with cultural and historical artefacts.

Art and Design at Stonyhurst nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving – skills that prepare pupils for further study and a wide variety of careers in the creative industries.

Fine Art – painter, sculptor, installation artist, printmaker, mixed media artist
Design Disciplines – graphic designer, product designer, interior designer, fashion/textile designer, furniture designer, jewellery designer
Digital & Media Arts – animator, game designer, illustrator, photographer, videographer, visual effects artist, web designer, UX/UI designer
Architecture & Built Environment – architect, landscape architect, set designer, exhibition designer
Applied & Decorative Arts – ceramics, glass, textiles, crafts
Museums & Galleries – curator, art conservator, collections manager, arts administrator, art technician
Education & Research – art teacher, lecturer, workshop leader, art therapist
Creative Industries – advertising, branding, publishing, film/TV design, creative direction

Curriculum

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9)

At Stonyhurst, the Art department at Key Stage 3 builds a strong foundation of skills, techniques, and creative knowledge for our pupils. Through studying artists, designers, and the diverse cultural influences within our college community, pupils strengthen their critical analysis skills and deepen their appreciation of artistic expression.

They engage with both the College’s historic collections and contemporary artists, gaining inspiration from a wide range of styles and movements. This experience provides excellent preparation for those who choose to continue with Art into Key Stage 4, ensuring a smooth and confident transition.

Each year group enjoys three Art lessons over a two-week timetable, completing two projects per year. These projects explore art history, global influences, and the cultural impact of the visual arts, while introducing new materials and techniques and reinforcing core skills.

By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils will have developed abilities in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, illustration, and graphics – providing a strong creative toolkit for future artistic study.

GCSE (Years 10 & 11)

GCSE Art and Design (Fine Art) at Stonyhurst

This course develops pupils’ creativity, technical skills, and artistic imagination through practical art-making and critical analysis. Pupils explore diverse themes, conduct research, and experiment with 2D and 3D techniques including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital art.

The programme emphasises personal expression, critical thinking, and communicating ideas through visual language. Pupils create sketchbooks that document their artistic journey, study influential artists, and explore both traditional and contemporary approaches. Drawing forms the foundation for idea development, supported by research and reflective annotations.

Assessment

Component 1: Portfolio (Coursework) – 60%
Two coursework projects using varied techniques and media, each resulting in a final outcome informed by research and idea development. Current projects include the Steampunk Box Project (3D Assemblage) and the Self Portrait Project (Acrylic on A1 canvas).
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (Exam) – 40%
Starting point provided by AQA; pupils develop preparatory work and complete a final piece under timed conditions.

Assessment Objectives

AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas and experimenting with media, materials, and techniques.
AO3: Record ideas, observations, and insights as work develops.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that demonstrates understanding of visual language.

A Level (Sixth Form)

A Level Fine Art at Stonyhurst

For pupils who excelled in GCSE Art, A Level Fine Art offers a natural progression with greater independence and creative freedom. Pupils continue developing their personal sketchbooks while exploring a wide range of media, from drawing, painting, and printmaking to sculpture, ceramics, installation, digital art, and the moving image. All work is based on a pupil-chosen theme, enabling unique and meaningful personal exploration.

Themes often include identity, the natural world, a sense of place, and the relationship between past, present, and future. Each pupil benefits from tailored guidance and dedicated support, ensuring they refine their strengths and develop a distinctive artistic voice.

Assessment

Component 1: Personal Investigation (Coursework) – 60%
Practical investigation into a chosen idea, concept, or theme, supported by a portfolio and a 1,000–3,000 word written essay.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (Exam) – 40%
Starting point provided by AQA; preparatory work followed by a final piece under exam conditions.

Assessment Objectives

AO1: Develop ideas through sustained, focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources.
AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, and processes, refining work as it develops.
AO3: Record ideas, observations, and insights, reflecting critically on progress.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response, making connections between visual and other elements.

IB Diploma (Sixth Form)

IB Visual Arts at Stonyhurst

IB Visual Arts offers pupils a rich and challenging exploration of the visual arts, developing creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. Ideal for those aiming for higher education in art or seeking lifelong creative enrichment, the course emphasises art-making as inquiry, encouraging experimentation, investigation, and reflection.

Pupils work across a range of media and techniques, analyse artworks in cultural and historical contexts, and learn to communicate their artistic intentions verbally and visually. They are encouraged to embrace challenges, explore personal ideas and viewpoints, and see mistakes as opportunities for growth.

Core Areas:

Create: Developing artistic skills and ideas
Connect: Understanding cultural and contextual influences
Communicate: Presenting and curating works

Assessment

Art-Making Inquiries Portfolio (External) – SL: 40% | HL: 30%
Inquiry-driven practice. Max 15 screens, 3,000 words.
Connecting & Projecting (External) – SL: Connections Study (20%); HL: Artist Project (30%)
SL: Analyse an artwork in context (10 screens, 2,500 words).
HL: Create and contextualise a new artwork (video, 12 screens, 2,500 words).
Resolved Artworks (Internal) – SL & HL: 40%
Five resolved artworks; HL includes rationale and contextual analysis.

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Fine Art

Subject Overview

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