Art

Art Curriculum Intent

Year 7

Our curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced, ambitious and suitably challenging to give students the opportunities to explore, investigate and create. The curriculum is sequenced to underpin the key concepts and understanding of the visual elements of Art. Learning is connected and builds on skills, allowing students to become confident with their creativity and application of each visual element in depth. Students develop cultural and critical understanding and explore 2D and 3D techniques.  Students are introduced to the world of Art and start to analyse and evaluate artwork using their own interpretations and opinions.

Useful websites for revision and additional support:  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

https://www.tate.org.uk/

Year 8

In Year 8 learning is connected and students continuously build on their knowledge and skills from Year 7.  An in-depth focus is underpinned around each visual element and the learning journey broadens, allowing new skills and techniques to be introduced. Students start to make connections between visual elements to deepen and extend their knowledge and skills. Students look at work of others and research other cultural festivals to enrich and encourage diversity. We encourage students to share ideas, engage in class critique and discuss and analyse work in depth.

Useful websites for revision and additional support:  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

https://www.tate.org.uk/

Year 9

Students continue to build on skills from previous years by developing and interweaving the visual elements to create outcomes reflecting a project theme.  Students start to transfer skills and apply new knowledge of techniques to aid their progress. Students are given challenges to extend their skills, developing increased confidence with each creative obstacle they overcome.  Opportunities are given so students can build on previous knowledge and develop connections throughout their journey, working independently while evaluating their work as it progresses. Students start to take more ownership of their journey making decisions to select media and references for final responses. Projects give students and insight in the world of Art and enlightening them for the further education.

Useful websites for revision and additional support:  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

https://www.tate.org.uk/

GCSE

At GCSE, the first term is dedicated to students spending time exploring skills and introducing new techniques, equipment and concepts as well as learning how to source primary and secondary inspiration.  Students acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent.  Students learn how to independently find inspiration and create their own responses in relation to work of other artists and cultures.  Students then start to build a portfolio of work developing their confidence and proficiency using materials and techniques over the two years.  Students are reflective thinkers with enquiring minds focusing on creativity and composition to help turn their ideas into creative outcomes.  Students understand how an artist uses a material and concept to give meaning behind their work allowing them to take inspiration from the artists. Once this has been established students broaden their cultural capital and the impact of Art within society and the wider world.  Students critique their creative journey and take ownership of their work as it progresses. Students are challenged to make personal choices overcoming obstacles and developing ideas.  Student outcomes show independent thought and the freedom to take risks asking questions and problem solving throughout their creative journey.  Students are able to use their strengths and passions for working with particular techniques and skills to further their progress towards the exam set task to reach their full potential.

KS4 (found under year 10 & 11 tabs) 

Exam board OCR – 60% Coursework Portfolio and 40% Exam Set Task

Useful websites for revision and additional support: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

https://www.tate.org.uk/

https://www.studentartguide.com/

Useful websites for revision and additional support:  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

https://www.tate.org.uk/

https://www.studentartguide.com/

A Level

The course builds on skills, knowledge and creativity from KS4, while also exploring creative expression and the value of Art through investigations practically and analytically.  Students start to explore and indulge a breadth of skills across a broad range of media, resulting in the selection of their chosen techniques and materials to showcases their talents.  Students independently develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations in response to a given starting point. Students will be able to explore, research and acquire techniques and develop their skills and knowledge having the freedom to take risks and develop their own artistic style.  Students gain a deepening understanding of how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts.  Students are able to carry out their own independent research using their understanding of the issues and concepts addressed and related to art history and everyday life. Students develop a working vocabulary using specialist terminology to aide their written components giving them the ability to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others.  Students find their personal link to the subject through their investigation and what the subject means to them.  We see our students as responsible individuals who are aware of the role they plan in society and the importance of Art contributing to everyday life.  Students are supported with opportunities and future prospects towards further education to continue building foundations for the future.

KS5 

Exam Board AQA – 60% Coursework Personal Investigation and 40% Exam Set Task  

Useful websites for revision and additional support:  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

https://www.tate.org.uk/

https://www.studentartguide.com/

Useful websites for revision and additional support:  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j

https://www.tate.org.uk/

https://www.studentartguide.com/

Possible career pathways: 

Art can help you access skills in Writing/Analytical, Fashion and Textiles, Graphic Design, Spatial Design, 3D product Design, Digital and Multi-Media, Photography, Fine Art and Arranging/displays.  

Career pathways can include Architect, logo branding designer, shoe designer, fashion designer, Art Historian, Animator, Photographer, Book illustrator, Fine artist, Museum curator, Teacher, Art therapist, Jeweller, Wood carver, Game design, Prop designer,  

Art can be a great preparation for any career that requires fine motor skills, presentation skills, an eye for aesthetics and creative thinking.