Art & Design General overview & picture: Well equipped, flexible studio spaces provide a stimulating environment for students to work in a range of disciplines, using traditional and modern media, and producing large scale paintings, installations, photographic and digital media art forms. Extra-curricular opportunities allow students to develop their interests through: the Berlin residential study trip for Year 13 Art & Photography students, life drawing, a portfolio programme and a weekly art club. A range of artists in residence, from ceramicists to filmmakers, printmakers to professional photographers, enriches the student experience each year. As a London school we make full use of the tremendous resource of visual art available, visiting galleries and developing projects to reflect contemporary exhibitions and initiatives in the art world. A recent Year 7 sculpture project was designed to coincide with the Fourth Plinth Commission in Trafalgar Square. The outcomes for this project then  won the Art Council's, forth plinth, school competition. The annual Art Show in the summer term is a highlight in the North London calendar. It is not surprising that examination results and progression to further education are excellent. An impressive range of online resources can be seen on the school's MLE at www.flickr.com/fortismereartdepartment/collections KS3 Pupils explore a range of topics, approaches and techniques. Schemes of work are supported by research into western, non-western, contemporary and more traditional artists. The breadth offered at KS3 is designed to give pupils a firm basis in their use of media, their selection of techniques and their response to the work of others in preparation for GCSE. KS4 The Art department's KS4 program of study develops independent working practice with an equal balance of teacher and pupil led projects. Teachers are able to equip pupils with appropriate skills and knowledge of the work of others while also giving them the freedom to realise their personal intentions. The department also offers a fast track Art and Photography course which is the equivalent of two GCSEs. (Edexcel) Post 16 We offer both Photography and Fine Art endorsements of the Edexcel, Art and Design syllabus. Both courses are popular, successful and prepare students for the demands of a Foundation Diploma and, ultimately, a design or art based degree. The department has developed an environment where pupils are encouraged to experiment and take risks in their creative work. We have a well equipped A level Art studio, and a separate Photography studio which pupils are encouraged to use beyond their timetabled lessons. Extra Curricular There is a weekly KS3 art club. The Art Department delivers the following courses: To view examples of students' work, please visit our Flickr web site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fortismereartdepartment/collections Art & Design National Curriculum at KS3, Art & Design (Fine Art and Unendorsed) GCSE (Edexcel 1028), G.C.S.E Photography and Art Fast Track 1031 Art & Design (Fine Art and Unendorsed) AS &A2(Edexcel 80319031), Photography AS & A2 (Edexcel 8034 9034),