YEAR 7 EXPLORE

In Year 7 you will be introduced to a broad range of new techniques, materials, artists and themes. These experiences will set the foundations for developing you as an effective artist and creative thinker.

You will work through three different topics and engage in practical tasks, discussion, group work and homework projects. Each theme is designed to develop a balance of practical skills, knowledge and understanding. You will experiment with both 2D and 3D formats and explore techniques including painting, printing, collage and sculpture.

Drawing is seen as a fundamental art skill, which is encouraged and developed across all year groups. In Year 7 you will begin to develop a more realistic style of drawing and are taught the importance of keen observation, accurate line and use of tone.

7.1 BASIC SKILLS WITH CUBISM

The learning intention in this project is to introduce and develop an understanding of fundamental drawing skills. Students will explore the basics of constructing successful observational studies whilst being introduced to a range or new media and processes. The focus is very much on the formal elements whist exploring the movement of Cubism.

7.2 COLOUR THEORY WITH FAUVSIM

The learning intention in this project is to introduce colour theory whist exploring painting as a new process and technique. Students will explore still life from an autobiographical perspective whilst developing their fundamental painting skills. The exploration of Fauvism will allow for the development of colour theory and expression.

7.3 INDEPENDENT PROJECT

The learning intention in this project is to begin to foster an attitude of independence and decision making. Students will explore experimental processes and techniques whilst making decisions regarding their own work and project development. Students will select appropriate styles, artists and media in their development towards a final outcome.

YEAR 8 EXPLORE

In Year 8 you will build on the skills, techniques, knowledge and understanding introduced in year 7. You will be encouraged to refine your work and challenge yourself creatively. You are given greater independence in your work and ownership over your outcomes as well as learning about the research, presenting, refinement and development of work.

You will study three topics, which are designed to expose you to a broad curriculum of study. Within each topic you will explore multiple artists, techniques and ideas through independent study, group work, discussion, written tasks, practical tasks and homework projects. You will also have the new challenge of developing your work and then create a final piece.

Drawing continues to be developed as a fundamental skill and students will further develop their use of accurate line, shape, texture and tone.

8.1 MYTHICAL BEASTS WITH SURREALISM

The learning intention in this project is to explore a range of processes and techniques whilst allowing for creativity and imagination to fundamentally drive decision making. Students will experiment with a range of processes as they develop their holistic creative abilities. Students will engage their creativity in developing work that is inspired by Surrealism.

8.2 ROBOTICS WITH FUTURISM

The learning intention in this project is to develop and improve the student’s fundamental drawing skills. Students will understand the basic construction of a successful observational study. Students will begin to question moral and social issues through art. Through the qualities of Futurism students will develop a style by amalgamating a contemporary approach with the historical movement.

8.3 INDEPENDENT PROJECT

The learning intention in this project is to introduce and develop rules of figurative and portraiture art. Students will begin to build on their decision making abilities as they develop and explore the work of others by combining styles and media. Students will select appropriate styles, artists and media in their development towards a final outcome.

YEAR 9 EXCITEMENT

In Year 9 you will be given the tools to develop and explore your own creative ideas, thoughts and processes. You will be exposed to a range of eclectic processes through the delivery of six independent projects. Each project will focus on a key medium and key art history movement. Within each project you will be encouraged to improve your fundamental developing, experimenting, recording and presenting skills.

You will cover six distinct areas of study: drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and printmaking, concluding with a self-directed project. Each project is designed to challenge your creativity, independence and subject knowledge. Embedded in each project are strong historical references as you develop your thoughts and work in response.

DRAWING REINAISSANCE

The learning intention in this project is to expose students to the masters of drawing as they develop their ideas and explore a range of mark making techniques. Students will draw on the work of historical and contemporary drawings as they create work that is independent and personally developed

PAINTING IMPRESSIONISM

The learning intention in this project is to respond to the work of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters. Students will develop skills in acrylic and watercolour paintings as they explore contrasting styles. Students will combine ideas from historical and contemporary painters as they create a response that is well developed.

SCULPTING CUBISM

The learning intention in this project is to respond to the Cubism manifesto within the medium of sculpture. Students will explore relief work and clay work as they respond to primary photography and develop personal outcomes.

PRINTMAKING FUTURISM

The learning intention in this project is to expose students to the strong vivid colour and sharp crisp line work of Futurism as they adopt a range of print making processes. Students will explore monotype printing with oil and ink. Students will then develope a contemporary response to Futurism as they explore polytile printing as a personal outcome.

PHOTOGRAPHING SURREALISM

The learning intention in this project is to respond to the juxtaposition of Surrealism within photography. Students will develop a core understanding of the principals of exposure. Students will conclude by responding to the work of photographers and artists with their own digitally manipulated photography.

SELF-DIRECTED PROJECT

The learning intention in this project is to foster an attitude of independence and accountability. Students will respond to processes, techniques, mediums and contextual links as they create a study that is personal and well developed. Students will draw influence from a range of contextual sources as they create their ‘Final Piece’ for the foundation year.

YEAR 10 GCSE EXPERTISE

CONTEXTUAL JOURNAL

Students are expected to maintain a contextual journal. Their journal will document and record any interactions they have with art in the real world. Evidence will be collected from visiting artist workshops, gallery visits, lectures and external experiences. It is important that students engage with the art world throughout their time at GCSE to enrich and contextualise their own practice.

COMPONENT 1

Portfolio of work based on a given theme, covering a variety of skills and techniques. This is monitored and assessed throughout the year, in line with AQA assessment criteria. Students will be expected to demonstrate four key areas.

AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

YEAR 11 GCSE EXPERTISE

COMPONENT 1: FINAL RESPONSE

This will be a sustained response to the development of an idea, including appropriate selection of materials and technique. The final response will also demonstrate a development from sophisticated contextual links that are informed and relevant.

COMPONENT 2: Externally set assignment Issued from January during the year of examination for a preparatory period. This involves creating a body of work that covers all of the assessment objectives, concluding with 10 hours of unaided focused study, under supervision (examination conditions), during which students will produce their final response.