Year 7 Curriculum Guide

Art & Design

A foundation course at the beginning of Year 7 will introduce students to the eight visual elements; colour, line, tone, shape, form, pattern, texture and composition. Understanding these elements will allow students to develop their skills through a variety of themes studied throughout Key Stage 3.

Each theme will focus on developing different skills, including observational drawing, research, painting, print making and 3D construction. The first of these skills based projects will focus on experimenting with different drawing media such as pencil, biro, coloured pencil and watercolour through the exploration of the theme ‘Autumn’.

During many of the projects students will increase their research skills through exploring the work of other artists and cultures. This also helps students to develop their art vocabulary and analytical and evaluative skills.

In the Spring Term students will further develop their drawing skills and be taught how to create accurate proportions when completing a portrait drawing. Students will develop work through exploring different approaches that artists have used to create their own portrait work. In the Summer Term students will produce work based on the theme ‘Imaginary Creatures’. The project will begin by researching mythical creatures.

As well as working on different themes and exploring a variety of skills, students will also look at different approaches such as observation, imagination and self-expression.

Students will be issued with a quality A4 sketchbook which will be used throughout KS3. It is expected that students will take pride in this book, look after it well and bring it to all lessons. All students are expected to bring a soft pencil (2B or 3B) to every lesson. Homework is given 2-3 times each half term, this might be collecting images to inform ideas, completing worksheet tasks to revise learning or evaluating their own projects and achievements.

Looking at the work of other artists and cultures is an essential part of the course and students are encouraged to look at art books, visit galleries and express in their own words what they see and read.

Art at Key Stage 3 is taught in mixed ability groups. The needs of the individual are catered for through the Schemes of Work and after-school workshop based clubs provide opportunities for students to excel. At all levels we aim to develop students’ skills and self-confidence to the highest standard. We acknowledge and reward students who do their best by displaying their work, issuing track points and sending postcards home or informing tutors. Targets for each student’s National Curriculum Level at the end of Key Stage 3 are set in Year 7 and reviewed throughout the Key Stage. Students should always be aware of their own target level and what they need to do to reach or go beyond it, this information will be recorded in a progress booklet kept in their sketchbook.

The Department endeavours to provide an exciting environment where students can foster a positive attitude to Art and Design and themselves as developing artists.

 

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Page updated Wednesday, May 15, 2013