Students studying art & design at Key Stage 3 are encouraged to become successful learners who enjoy and achieve. Throughout Years 7 to 9, students learn to become confident and to make positive contributions through the creation of artworks, using a variety of art materials including traditional fine art media as well as the use of modern technology.

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Course Aims

 

Creativity

Experimentation and exploration of materials; taking risks and learning from mistakes; producing imaginative images, artefacts and outcomes that are original and have value. 

 

Proficiency

Developing their handling of different materials including painting and drawing.

 

Critical and Cultural Understanding

Engaging with art and artefacts from different contexts and cultures to inform their own creativity; understanding the role of the artist, craftsperson and designer in a range of cultures, times and contexts.

 

Evaluation

Analysis of their own and others’ work in order to strengthen the visual impact of their work.

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What will I learn?

 

Year 7

The art department aims to provide a programme of study that encourages continuity and progression, and which begins in Year 7 with a foundation year that is focused on the formal art elements of line, tone, colour, texture, pattern, shape and form. Artists’ work is introduced to complement students’ understanding, and research homework is set to encourage independent learning.

 

Year 8

Year 8 have a broader experience of materials incorporating opportunities to use 3D processes as well as ICT. The work of different cultures is focused upon to complement students’ understanding of non-western art in class and for independent study.

 

Year 9

Year 9 develops students’ personal responses in the unit on ‘Identity’ where 20th Century art is used to inform style and content. Year 9 also have opportunities to experience more populist artwork such as fantasy art with the creation of artworks using real work practice, e.g. ‘Manga’ project using Adobe Photoshop.