Digital Media

The digital revolution is an extraordinary phenomenon, perhaps as momentous as the invention of the wheel, and with particular relevance to Art and Design. Art as a visual language has always been about communication, the ‘C’ in ICT. With cameras in mobile phones, the immense power of the world wide web, and software that gives young people the tools to create work that would previously have been the domain of the specialist and professional, we are in the midst of rapid, exciting and unprecedented change.

We have long been using computers in the art department and consider ourselves at the ‘cutting edge’ in the exploration and exploitation of new technologies. We are very well equipped with ‘state of the art’ computers, professional software, scanners, cameras, and printers. Students can explore 'industry standard' software designed for drawing and image manipulation, animation, video, three dimensional modeling, web site design, desktop publishing and the creation of interactive CD’s and DVD’s.

The phenomenal potential of computer technology is explored with all year groups and an introduction to digital artwork is woven into all Key stage three classes. We encourage the use of digital cameras, the exploration of film and animation, and the exploration of computer technology as well as exploring and exploiting the immense potential of the internet.

At GCSE students who are keen can opt to create their own computer art either as a part or as the whole of their course work. At this level students are encouraged to explore the computers for themselves, and learn the software as they go along. All the work that they produce must be backed up with a written diary of the skills that they are learning, sketches of their ideas, and research and development work in sketchbooks. It is also beneficial if they can explore the wider world of digital art, and record this investigation along with their own work. Throughout the two years of the GCSE students will be given demonstrations and shown the extensive possibilities of this new technology.

The pattern at AS and A level is much the same as that at the GCSE level.
It is hoped that students opting to use the computers will come to use the computers in breaks and after school, perhaps attending the weekly computer activity and work in their own time as well as in lesson time, either in the department, or on their own machines. As in all fields of art, the main ingredient for success in this area is the amount of time that students are willing to devote to their work and the enthusiasm with which they explore the use of this media.