Art

The KS3 curriculum aims to develop student’s confidence, knowledge and understanding of Art using core principles, techniques, and exposure to a variety of art materials. In addition to developing visual literacy to help understand symbolism and meaning in both Art and the world around them. Art and Design in all its forms should enable students to develop cultural awareness, personal creativity, and expression as well as the
ability to develop analytical thought. In key stage 3 students complete a drawing, painting and 3D unit of work in each year to develop and build on their skills. This development is underpinned by the elements of art which are discussed, used, and revisited throughout KS3.

During year 7 students receive one lesson a week in Art and will focus on developing fundamental understanding and core principles of Art through guided projects that allow students to build a foundation of knowledge for further study. Students will explore the work of artists and movements whilst building a bank of subject specific terminology to analyse and evaluate artwork. In addition, students will start to explore colour theory and the key elements of Art whilst experimenting with the uses and capabilities of materials such as watercolour, clay and pencil. Students will use directed improvement and reflection time to ensure that skills are developed and embedded in their practice in year 7 and beyond.

During year 8 students have one lesson of Art a week and begin to explore a wider range of artistic creation and materials such as mixed media, graphic and 3-Dimensional design creating connections to career prospects and the wide-ranging scope of Art and Design. Themes, materials, and processes developed in Year 7 underpin students’ knowledge and progress.

The year 9 curriculum aims to act as a springboard for students developing their own artistic voice and vision. Students will receive three lessons a week in Art and will focus on building a deeper understanding of materials and techniques through guided projects and short workshop sessions that allow students to gain confidence in their application and uses for further study. The focus for the Yr.9 programme of study is to encourage confidence and understanding of the four AQA assessment objectives. The projects are designed to provide a solid introduction to how projects are delivered at GCSE level and provide insight into how an artist works from ‘project launch’ to final outcome, culminating in students developing a body of work that will begin to build their portfolio for unit one of the GCSE course.

Year 7

Autumn Term

Exploring and building a foundation knowledge of how the elements of art are used to create a wide range of Art and design.

Exploring the elements of art through the lens of patterns of the world
• 2D & 3D shape
• Tone
• Colour
• Texture
• line

Spring Term

Developing a foundation knowledge of clay, its uses and where it comes from. To design and create a clay tile

Building a foundation knowledge of clay

• Pattern
• Clay tiles
• Sgraffito
• The science of clay
• Mark making

• Practice of drawing skills through drawing technique and observational drawing

Summer Term

Learning to conduct effective research and investigation through Art history. Culminating in visual expression of knowledge in the form of a personal composition.

Developing appreciation and understanding of different art styles and movements

• Art history – student choice
• Developing design ideas
• Building on knowledge of the elements of art

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

Students can access a wide range of additional resources through the student art site to help develop their own emerging interest in Art and Design, such as careers, art books and tutorials, links to useful websites and gallery information. Students are invited to apply to become an Arts leader which aims to promote The Arts both in school and the local community through engagement in developing exhibitions, performances, and competitions. In addition, P7 options offer a range of enrichment such as Ceramics, community art project and Art club. Options for P7 change termly

Year 8

Autumn Term

Introducing students to new technologies in Art and design to generate and develop creative ideas and outcomes through the use of digital compositions and mixed media

Exploration of identity through portraiture

• Use of colour and tonal values.
• Developing form
• Photoshop
• Drawing techniques
Use of painting mediums

Spring Term

Developing knowledge and skill in creating 3 Dimensional artworks in response to students exploration of identity with links to prior knowledge of shape, texture and clay.

Developing 3D portraits

• Pinch and coil pots
• 3D form

Practice of drawing skills through drawing technique and observational drawing

Personal art history mini study further developing student understanding and interest of different art movements

Summer Term

Building on students’ prior knowledge of Art history, colour theory and development of painting and 3D skills.

Exploring the Pop art movement through 3D outcomes and the context of images

• 3D construction in cardboard
• Effective research and analysis
• Painting
Colour theory

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

Year 9

Autumn Term

Students will revisit and imbed themes from the early KS3 curriculum to ensure that they have secure knowledge of key components.
Students will also undertake short projects and workshops in:
• Ceramics – coil method and introduction to throwing on the wheel
• Painting techniques (watercolour and acrylic)
• Introduction to oil paints
• Drawing techniques (colour pencil, tonal work and alternative drawing tools)

Spring Term

Students will begin to explore elements of portfolio building through focused short projects that aim to develop subject-specific language and understanding, through personal outcomes and responses.
• History of art – styles and artists
• Exploration of styles and mediums
• Printmaking techniques: lino and mono printing
• Observational drawing

Summer Term

Students’ work will culminate in a GCSE project responding to a chosen theme. Using their prior learning and knowledge of materials and techniques students will develop an independent response to the theme in a medium of their choosing.
• Developing ideas in response to artist investigation
• Experimenting with ideas, materials and outcomes
• Recording ideas and observations
• Presenting a personal and meaningful response

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

Year 10

Autumn Term

Students will choose from one of three themes to develop a personal portfolio project:

1. Food
2. Natural forms
3. Man vs Machine

Spring Term

Students will choose from one of three themes to develop a personal portfolio project:

1. Identity
2. Inside/outside
3. Changed landscape

Summer Term

Students will undertake a range of workshops that aim to further develop skill and understanding such as:

• Observational drawing
• Felt making
• Sewing for drawing
• Print making
• Introduction to pottery throwing

In addition, students will be afforded the time to refine their portfolio unit of work before undertaking the NEA in year 11.

Skills Developed

• Research skills.
• Analysis and evaluation of work by others.
• Exploring and experimenting with materials, techniques, and processes to produce artwork.
• Recording through producing artwork.
• Recording opinions, thoughts, and reflections through annotation of work.
• Developing and refining ideas to produce creative and personal outcomes showing intention.

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

Year 11

Art and Design

Year 11

Students are complete the portfolio component and are guided through the completion of preparatory work that meets the AQA assessment criteria. Students produce a series of ‘boards’ that respond to their chosen theme, using a range of materials, techniques, and processes to produce high-quality artwork with supporting annotations to record their responses, allowing them to experiment and explore a range of approaches that inform their ideas for developing an independent outcome(s). Students also complete their unit 2 component which is set by the exam board. The structure of preparation work follows the structure of their portfolio unit and culminates in a 10 hour practical assessment which is assessed using the assessment criteria grid provided by AQA, the examining board for this specification.