Art & Design
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The department is staffed by a team of four teachers and three technicians. The expertise within the team is broad, including painting, printmaking, textiles, fashion, ceramics, photography, digital media and sculpture. The facilities include:
- Sculpture and ceramics studio, kiln room with 2 kilns, slab roller, pc.
- Textiles studio, photo silkscreen processing facilities, sewing machines, computerised sewing machine, portable etching press, equipped for pattern cutting, felt and paper making, lino printing, batik, pc, scanner, colour printer.
- 2D studio with large etching press, two relief printing presses, easels, 4 Apple Macs, pcs, scanners, A3 colour laser printer, department library.
- 2D studio with portable etching press, easels, pcs, scanner, A3 colour printer, electronic whiteboard, lighting and backdrop for photography.
- Photographic darkroom with 6 b&w enlargers, lightbox, film & paper developing facilities.
- Outside sculpture area with raku kiln and sawdust kiln facilities.
Art & Desgn Edexcel Newsletter
Official Opening of The Christine Walker Gallery 21 March 2010
The Department believes that pupils at Caterham are intelligent young people and, therefore, aims never to underestimate their ability. The highly experienced and well qualified teachers demand the very best from the pupils, expecting them to aim high and to reach an understanding of the material in hand. All of the teachers are artists in their own right and, therefore, set a high value on the subject. Our aim is to communicate this value to our pupils. The Department, therefore, teaches Art and does not conform to the 'genre' of 'School Art'.
It is the Art Department's aim that all our students complete a broad and balanced course. From the First Year to the Third Year we aim to give them a good grounding in the subject should they wish to continue to study at GCSE or, if they finish their Art education at this point, it will at least provide them with an understanding of the basic principles and practice of the subject. Pupils in these years work in 2D & 3D including painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture and ceramics. Those who move on to study Art at GCSE do so with a secure understanding of the process and elements which are needed at that level.
By the end of the Fourth Year, and through the Fifth Year, pupils at Caterham are working more independently in Art. A typical lesson will see each pupil working on his or her own particular project, with the teacher discussing work and ideas with them. Projects which involve processes as diverse as ceramics, textiles, digital manipulation, drypoint etching and mixed media, will be happening in the studio at the same time. Pupils' work is informed by their observed research as well as their critical studies of artists from any times and cultures. It is our aim to develop the individual potential of all our students in Art to the fullest extent. Also that our pupils' enthusiasm for Art is nurtured and developed.
At this stage students may opt to study Fine Art, Textile Art/Design and/or Photography to AS or A2 level. Some students opt to study either two or three of these subjects because they have already made a decision that their future will be within the field of Art & Design. Future Architects study Fine Art in order to meet part of the entry requirements for degree courses and future dentists should be aware of the bonus of taking handmade objects to their dentistry interviews. Although some students choose these subjects because of career decisions, many opt through a desire to further their achievements following successful GCSE courses and through sheer enjoyment of the subject. Other students have chosen one of them as a third or fourth subject for entry to degree courses in other areas. Whatever the reasons, the experience of thinking and working creatively will stand young people in good stead within many walks of life, and is very welcome by many top universities and businesses.
The philosophy which is developed in GCSE is carried on through AS, where students are initially introduced to some more advanced techniques, processes and skills. We offer life drawing classes to enhance students' drawing confidence and skills. We also offer many specialist lunchtime, after school and Saturday workshops. As they progress towards and into A2 the students, in all three subject areas, are able to drive their own work, and their thinking is often at a profound level. They are the absolute owners of their work, the teacher's role being as a sounding board and to focus critical discussion.
Biographies
Marilyn Kyle MA MEd Director of Art & Design
Marilyn Kyle is the Director of Art & Design, a post which she has held since 1994. She has an M.A. in Fine Art (Print) from Wimbledon School of Art and an M.Ed in The Creative Arts in Education from the University of Exeter. She has a broad experience of Art & Design, starting in Photography and then developing her own work through painting and printmaking. Her most recent exhibition included print and video as part of a 3D installation piece. As an artist she is intrigued by new ways of looking at, recording, understanding and interpreting the world. Additionally, she uses her artwork as a way of thinking. It is this philosophy which guides her teaching and her role in leading the department.
Miss Anna Church MA Head of Textiles.
Anna completed a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion and Textiles at The University of Central England in Birmingham. She then took a year out of her studies to work as a Textile Designer (embroidery and print) for popular high street brands. Anna also worked as a freelance designer for high street and designer level markets. In 1999, Anna completed a Masters in Fashion and Textiles at Nottingham Trent University. In 2000, she completed a PGCE also at Nottingham Trent University. Since then Anna successfully established A-level Textiles at a Sixth Form College in Surrey and became A-level Co-ordinator for Art and Design courses and Second in Department at a Sixth Form College in North East London.
Anna joined Caterham School in 2007 as Head of Textiles and promotes the talents of Textile A-level pupils and GCSE Art pupils through events such as the annual Fashion Show and Dance & Fashion Week. Anna is now the Head of Art and Textiles. She is also committed to co-curricular weekly clubs such as Art Scholars meetings, working towards an exhibition in the Catherine Walker gallery and Textiles Club, working on Caterham School commissions. Anna also trains pupils undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
Amelia Barnes MA : Teacher of Art
Amelia first studied fine art at Reigate School of Art, continuing with further study at degree level, gaining a BA in Fine Art Combined Media through the University of Sussex. She gained an MA in Fine Art Sculpture from Wimbledon School of Art. Amelia has taught in schools and is involved in art education in museums and galleries, being committed to teaching art and craft skills to many different age groups and sections of society. When she is not teaching she continues to work on her own art practice which also informs her teaching.
Miss Charlotte Bell MA Teacher of Art and Art Co-ordinator