Art
Art & Design Curriculum Overview
Our Art and Design curriculum develops students as visually literate, critically aware and creatively confident individuals. Students learn that art is both an expressive and technical discipline, using visual language to communicate ideas, emotions and meaning. Through drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking and design, students develop their practical skills alongside creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge, technical control and independence, enabling students to become thoughtful makers who can respond creatively to the world around them.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
At Key Stage 3, students develop a strong understanding of the visual elements of art, including line, shape, form, tone, colour, texture and pattern. Learning progresses through three stages: Foundation, Technique and Control, and Independence.
| Year 7: Foundation | Year 8: Technique and Control | Year 9: Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Line, colour, shape, texture, tone and pattern | Steampunk art and design | Vanitas and still life traditions |
| Colour theory and colour mixing | Vladimir Gvozdev and mechanical illustration | Symbolism and meaning in art |
| Primary, secondary and tertiary colours | Contour drawing | Observational drawing |
| Complementary and harmonious colour schemes | Hatching and cross-hatching | Scale, proportion and negative space |
| Tints, shades and tones | Tone, depth and three-dimensional form | Tonal rendering techniques |
| Oil pastel blending and layering techniques | Composition and visual communication | Michael Craig-Martin and colour as expression |
| The Green Man project | Oil pastel techniques and metallic effects | Banksy and social commentary |
| Communicating mood, atmosphere and meaning through art | Mixed media and collage | Stencil techniques and street art |
| Evaluation using the SEMMI framework | Personal responses informed by artist research | |
| Evaluation using the SEMMI framework |
Throughout KS3, students learn to analyse artwork, explain artistic choices and evaluate their own work using subject-specific vocabulary.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Students follow the GCSE Art and Design course, developing increasingly independent and personal creative responses through a wide range of media and techniques. They learn how to investigate themes, experiment with materials and create meaningful final outcomes.
| Component 1: Candidate Portfolio (60%) | Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) |
|---|---|
| Artist and designer research | Researching and investigating ideas |
| Mind mapping and visual investigation | Producing preparatory sketchbook work |
| Analytical and observational drawing | Experimenting with techniques and materials |
| Printmaking and mixed media experimentation | Planning and refining outcomes |
| Artist studies and critical analysis | Completing a final 10-hour practical examination piece |
| Design development using the SCAMPER model | |
| Personal creative outcomes | |
| Written evaluation and reflection |
Assessment Objectives
Students are assessed through four key areas:
AO1: Develop ideas through investigations and artist research
AO2: Experiment with and refine materials, techniques and processes
AO3: Record observations, ideas and insights
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful final response
Assessment
Assessment is embedded throughout the curriculum through:
Practical workshops and studio activities
Sketchbook development
Artist research and analysis
Observational drawing
Written evaluations and reflections
Portfolio reviews
Mock examinations
GCSE coursework and final examination components
Enrichment and Careers
Art and Design encourages students to become creative thinkers, confident communicators and skilled problem-solvers. Students explore the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from a range of cultures and historical periods while developing their own artistic voice.
The subject supports progression into careers including fine art, graphic design, illustration, animation, architecture, product design, fashion, photography, interior design, advertising, marketing, games design and the wider creative industries. The curriculum also develops transferable skills such as resilience, creativity, critical thinking and independent learning that are valued across all professions.