Middle School curriculum

For all Middle School art classes, we follow the NC standards for Visual Art Education, which include the following…

 Using the language of the visual arts to communicate artistic concepts and ideas.

We focus on learning, then identifying the art elements and principles, and using them in our own artwork.

Applying God’s gifts of creativity and critical thinking through artistic expressions.  

Students are directed to include certain elements in their artwork, but are given leeway in making it their own unique piece. We rarely do directed drawing-type projects in Art class, but instead may start our project the same way and then add our own creativity to it.

Create art using a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.

Much time is spent in the artroom learning how to properly use and care for art tools. We use a variety of different materials throughout the year, including pastels, different types of paint, pastels, markers, clay, and printmaking and collage materials

Understand the global,  historical, societal, and cultural contexts of the visual arts, including those in our Catholic faith.

Several projects throughout the year will include our Catholic Faith. Art History and Art styles throughout history are also woven into most of our projects.

Understand the interdisciplinary connections and life applications of the visual arts

Students learn about working artists both in our community and in the world. Art with a purpose, whether that be to convey a message or to use art in a utilitarian manner, is discussed along with art-related jobs

Use critical analysis to generate responses to a variety of prompts.

Middle school students are given more freedom in some of their projects to choose the materials. The intent is for everyone to express their ideas in their own style while still following the parameters of the project.

Middle School specials will factor into the student's overall GPA. Art classes for grades 6-8 are graded as follows:

50% of the overall grade in art will come from the assigned projects

50% of the overall grade will be a combination of behavior and participation

Grades on the assigned projects are assessed for Composition, Creativity, and Craftsmanship.

Creativity is worth 30 points for each assignment and will include that the student took time to plan out their art and put thought into the final piece. If samples were shown, they are using those samples for inspiration and not to replicate exactly. 

Composition is worth 35 points and factors whether the student included all required parts of the assignment. Each project is a bit different, but students are given the parameters of each project prior to starting…for example, if the parameters of a project are to use watercolor to create a landscape and the student used Sharpies and no watercolor, they would lose points. In this case, watercolor might be the skill I’m teaching that day, and if they opt not to use it, they are not practicing the required skill; therefore, points will be taken off.

Craftsmanship is worth 35 points for each assignment. Grades are determined by the care the student took in making their art. Did they take time to erase pencil marks? Was there an effort to make their finished piece look neat? Again, different projects have different parameters, I’m primarily looking that they didn’t rush through the project or only use minimal effort.

I am always walking around the room while the students are working and am very aware of the time and effort they are putting into the projects. Art is challenging to grade, and it’s unfair to grade based on skill alone when we have a variety of experience, interest, and talent in each class. The categories of Creativity, Composition, and Craftsmanship, as explained above, enable all of our artists the ability to achieve high marks in Art Class if they put in the effort.

Project grades are updated in Renweb as the class finishes each project. 

The remaining 50% of the grade is based on participation and behavior. 

General behavior is definitely factored in. Is the student respectful, on time, and actively listening to directions? Do they treat me, each other, the room, and the supplies with respect? Participation is required on all projects, and participation in an art-related activity when finished with a project is also required. I have a variety of art-related activities for students who finish early. They are not to use time when finished to complete other homework, play computer games, or socialize. Talking with friends while working is acceptable, but the key is that they need to continue working on an art activity!

Participation/Behavior Grades will be put in Renweb several times per quarter.

Students are expected to try their best on every project. Grades are not based on artistic skill, but on attempting the concept that is being taught. 

Students should respectfully listen to directions on projects before beginning their work.

Quiet talking is usually allowed while working on projects; however, students will be asked to work silently if the noise level is too loud.

Middle School students should ensure that they are in the classroom and ready to begin when the bell rings. 

Students should be respectful of each other and each other's artwork. 

When given certain parameters on a project, students are to incorporate those into the project to receive full credit. 

Cleanup procedures are different for each project, but are always explained. Everyone is expected to help clean up their area and to treat all materials with care.

Students are expected to keep busy the entire time they are in the artroom. There are a variety of “early finisher” activities specific to the different grade levels that are always available.

For upper grades: Working on homework for other classes and playing games on Chromebooks is not permitted, even when other work is finished.