Learning to draw is a process that starts when you are at nursery, you learn to express yourself with coloured pencils, crayons, felt tips, etc. This is when you start to learn the basics of art through shapes, colour mixing, and the necessary motor skills to manipulate pens and pencils on paper.

This learning continues throughout your time at Outwood Academy Ripon and you will be introduced to famous artists in your lessons, learn more about the different media, and be given the opportunity to practise drawing through projects that embrace other artists, cultures and traditions.

In your first year in Art we will take a journey through colour, pattern, shape and form exploring different cultures, techniques and the formal elements of Art.

We start by looking at figures within art, sculpting our own versions of Giacometti’s bronze figures in clay and creating wire forms inspired by the work of Antony Gormley.

Following on from this we will paint our way across the world to explore the landscapes of Japan, France and England considering the work of Hokusai, Monet, Turner and Hockney. Finally, we will look into the kaleidoscope as we explore pattern and texture in art.

Through print and textiles we will use our creativity to develop Abstract pieces inspired by Op Art and Brazilian and African culture.

Our curriculum from Year 7 to GCSE is designed to allow our students to explore a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

Our varied curriculum ensures that students have the opportunity to work in as many different areas of this diverse and exciting subject area as possible.

Alongside the practical aspects, our students also develop their critical and analytical skills, exploring the work of others and critically exploring their own artist practise.

As artists our students learn to find and embrace their own style and ideas whilst understanding the formal elements that support the technical aspects of the subject.