Subject Overview
Art plays an important role in the education of all pupils. It encourages the exploration of values, fosters imagination and creativity, and develops practical and perceptual skills promoting intellectual and aesthetic development.
The aim of the Art department is to give each child an equal opportunity to achieve a valuable and worthwhile Art experience that connects them with their own culture as well as that of the wider world. We aim to make the subject accessible and enjoyable to all by offering a broad curriculum.
We give students every opportunity to experiment and experience a wide range of media and techniques allowing them to find a personal means of expression. Some of the media and techniques offered are: drawing, painting (watercolour, oil, acrylic) printmaking (screen printing, drypoint etching collograph, lino printing), 3D, ceramics, photography and digital media. This is underpinned by basing projects within a contextual framework relating to a particular artist, era or genre of art or a cultural background.
| KS3 | GCSE | iGCSE | Pre A level / Pre IB | IB | A Level | Cambridge Technical | Pre U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
What skills will I learn?
- You will work in a variety of materials and techniques both 2D and 3D.
- You will learn about a wide range of specific artists and art movements both past and contemporary which will inform your work.
- You will learn how to interpret what is seen, felt or imagined into an effective response.
- You will learn how to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile form by researching, selecting, making and evaluating your work.
- You will acquire a working vocabulary relevant to the subject and an ability to discuss ideas and make informed judgements about your and other artists’ work.
What else will I get to do?
- You will be encouraged to enter in-house, local and national competitions such as The Turner Contemporary annual Portfolio Prize and The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. GCSE, AS, A Level and IB students will take part in exhibitions of their work.
- Lower School and Senior Art Clubs and Photo Club.
Trips
- GCSE/A level/IB trips to Tate Modern, Tate Britain, National Gallery.National Portrait Gallery and The Turner Contemporary.
- Field trips for photography and drawing..
The next step..
A high proportion of our students go on to study courses related to Art Craft and Design or Architecture at University. This can either be through an Art Foundation course or direct entry onto a Degree Course. Courses that past KC students have gone on to study have included History of Art, Illustration, Fashion, Architecture, Animation, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Advertising and many other pathways that might not be directly related to art but will require creative and artistic skills for example Forensic Art and Medical Illustration.
Alumni
- Jojo Montague (fashion designer with River Island)
- Ryan Hakminian (architect, recently exhibited at the Royal Academy)
- Ekaterina Kukhareva (fashion knitwear designer)
- Ptolomy Dean (architect royal)
- Tacita Dean (internationally famous artist)
Meet the Head of Art
Marie Montague BA (Hons) Fine Art, PGCE Art & Design, Goldsmiths’ University of London, RSA CELTA International House, London
I have always loved Art and a career in it was inevitable. After a Foundation course in Art & Design, I specialised in Painting and Print-making for my degree. I began my teaching career in Singapore actually teaching EFL and on my return to the UK decided I wanted to train to become a teacher in the subject I have a real passion for, Art.
After my PGCE at Goldsmith’s College, I was offered my first teaching post in London in 1995. I have worked in a number of large state schools in and around London, finally moving to the Independent sector as Head of Art at Cambridge Tutors College in Croydon.
After a sabbatical where I studied and practised Interior Design, I returned to teaching and started at Kent College in 2006.
Have a question?
If you would like to discuss details of your child's care with us, send us a message and we will gladly answer your questions.