Art

Overview:

Key Stage 3

The aim of Key Stage 3 Art curriculum is to engage, inspire and challenge pupils to experiment and create their own works of Art. They will learn about the basic principles of art (line, pattern, texture, colour, tone, shape, form and colour) and how to apply them in a range of different materials. Key Stage 3 pupils will have access to 2D and 3D materials with a small selection of those being: sketching pencils, paints, fine liners, clay and printing methods.

Through practical lessons, students will learn to use a range of techniques to record observations and develop their proficiency in handling different materials. Through their art, students will explore how to visually express their ideas and experiences and become familiar with using the language of art and design when discussing these.

As pupils progress, they will also begin to think critically about works of art and participate in many class discussions about traditional and contemporary artists. In Key Stage 3, pupils will begin to understand how art has shaped our history and contributed to a variety of cultures. Furthermore, this in-depth knowledge of art history will shape and strengthen how students analyse and evaluate their own artwork.

Year 7 units of study include a focus on the key concepts of:

• Self-Identity

• Our Surroundings

• Still Life

• Aus Cultural

Year 8 units of study include a focus on the key concepts of:

• Natural World

• Endangered Species

• Mexican Art

Year 9 units of study include a focus on the key concepts of:

• Pop Art - Popular Culture

• Our Surroundings - Architecture

• Propaganda, Political and Persuasive Art

Key Stage 4

The Fine Art course provides students with an exciting opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills in the Visual Arts as well as their skills in communication and analysis. By exploring a broad range of inspiring artists and stimulating project themes students will both extend and deepen their knowledge of the richness of the visual arts, and develop their technical skills in drawing, painting, mixed media, photography, printing etc. Whilst developing a clear understanding of the ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions are communicated visually students will be encouraged to develop their own style of visual communication and to explore and experiment with a variety of techniques and a range of mediums.

Fine Art GCSE is based on continual assessment throughout the 2 year course and comprises two components:

• Component 1: 60% of GCSE Grade: Coursework based assessment of sketchbook work from Y10 & Y11.

• Component 2: 40% of GCSE Grade (of which 10% is artwork created during an exam): An AQA external unit set in January of the final year. Students select one of seven themes and produce an In-Depth Project over a 12 week period culminating in a final artwork piece created in exam conditions.

All coursework is assessed against AQA’s four assessment objectives (AOs): 

• AO1 - Development of ideas through artist and cultural studies

• AO2 - Refinement of ideas through experimentation and selection of materials and techniques

• AO3 - Recording of ideas, observations and insights relevant to your intentions

• AO4 - Presentation of personal, informed and meaningful responses