Graphic Communications

A Level Graphic Communications

Projects in Year 12 aim to further develop core skills in Graphic Design genres and conceptual and psychological design. Typography, campaign advertising, packaging and marketing form the key areas covered in response to broad themes that students interpret in a personal way. Digital graphic design software is an essential tool used to develop ideas and respond to their brief to create design outcomes suitable for purpose and audience. In Year 13 students set their own personal brief and graphical genre to explore independent areas of interest. An extended written contextual study is also a core part of Advanced level study, developing skills in art/design history and investigative writing that further informs their own practise and understanding.

We offer two specialist Design Advanced Level courses. Both are taught under the Art and Design suite of qualifications and connect fully with the teaching in Art and Design Technology.

As in Fine Art, students develop personal expression, aesthetic understanding, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, practical skills, analytical ability, historical and cultural awareness and working to a design brief through rigorous and diverse courses.

At the end of their A level course, students mount their own exhibition to display their work, learning about professional display and promotion of their own arts practice.

Director: Ms Claire Pennington (teaching Art & Textiles) Contact details: cpen8383@johnmason.oxon.sch.uk

Teachers in this Faculty:

  • Mrs Tina Herringshaw-Dodd (Deputy Director; in charge of KS3-4 Design subjects, teaching Textiles & Art)
  • Ms Sara Othen (Assistant Director; in charge of KS3 Art & KS4 Food & Nutrition, teaching Art & Food & Nutrition)
  • Ms Amy Prior (teacher of 3D Design & Graphics)
  • Ms Julia Pritchard (teacher of 3D Design & Graphics)
  • Ms Lisa Brooks (teacher of Food & Nutrition & DT technical support)
  • Ms Liz Neville (teacher of Graphics)
  • Ms Sarah Neyland (teacher of Art)
  • Ms Samantha Ponting (teacher of Graphics and Art technical support)
  • Mr Richard Hoyle (3D design technical support)
  • Ms Sonia Byron (Food & Textiles technical support)

At John Mason School Visual Arts consist of:

  • Art and Design (KS3-5)
  • Graphic Design (KS3-5)
  • Textile Design (KS3-5)
  • 3D Design (KS3-4)
  • Food & Nutrition (KS3-4)

The Visual Arts Faculty prides itself on providing our students with a wide range of opportunities within and beyond the curriculum in a creative and inspiring environment. The study of visual arts subjects encourages creative thinking, problem solving, perseverance and an understanding of various processes, techniques and materials to create a range of innovative and exciting outcomes in a variety of disciplines.

At John Mason we embed key skills in art, craft and design from Year 7 onwards, building students who are able to question, think, record, analyse and plan and create. Our Faculty has an inclusive approach to learning with Creativity and Independent Learning at the heart of all we do. A strong emphasis is placed on equipping students with independent study skills to succeed in our subject areas at high standards and life beyond school, including research, investigation and presentation skills and managing their time, resources and workload.

Our own 06 Gallery is a professional space to exhibit art and design work and showcases our students’ accomplishments as well as occasionally offering exhibition space for local artists and groups and ex-JMS Art and Design post graduates. We offer a range of extra-curricular opportunities and community projects to enrich students’ experience, enjoyment and development in all Visual Arts disciplines.

In short, the ethos of the Visual Arts Faculty is:

  • To inspire engaging visual learning, creative thinking and independent practice
  • To teach practical & organisational skills, problem solving and resilience
  • To provide an enriched curriculum promoting value to Art & Design subjects, inspiring confidence, artistic vision and drive.