The Department

The Art Department consists of three specialist areas: Art & Design, Photography and Textiles.  We are located in a purpose-built block with state-of-the-art facilities.

The department has six well equipped rooms including a darkroom, a computer suite of 30 Apple Macs and general art, design and textiles rooms.  We have a large exhibition area, and work from the department can be seen displayed throughout the College, in our own "mural trail" around the school, and often in the main Reception area and the Student Support Centre.

We hold several exhibitions throughout the year and students exhibit their work at every key stage.

We offer general Art & Design and two condensed Textiles modules at Key Stage 3.  At Key Stage 4 we offer GCSE courses in Art & Design, Textiles and Photography, and the Creative and Media Diploma.   A Level Art & Design, Textiles and Photography are taught in Key Stage 5, and the Visual Arts module of the International Baccalaureate.

The Art Department is very active in Friday afternoon PEPs (Personal Enhancement Programme).  A few examples of the PEP courses we have run are: Ceramics; Flags & Banners; Jewellery Design, Recycled Fashion; Photography; Rag Rug Making; Community Art; Felt Making.

There are also after-school sessions with activities such as Ceramics, Graffiti Club, Young Enterprise and Photography Studio Practice.

On most days after school there are staff in the department to support students in completing coursework or preparing for exams.

We have also been involved in many projects beyond the College. These include:

• murals in Callington
• projects with feeder schools, for example Ceramics
• help with college productions
• designing of the stained glass windows in the library
• work with several local artists

The Art department played an active role in obtaining Artsmark Gold status. The Artsmark Gold is a national award scheme managed by the Arts Council of England that recognises schools with a high level of provision in the arts.