Art
The thematic approach used throughout KS3 is designed to allow maximum exploration of a wide range of topics and creates a vehicle to teach basic skills, concepts and critical historical studies. Alongside this pupils are introduced to a range of media and practical skills in a staged and practical manner. This allows staff to be clear about those skills, processes and experiences a student has covered in any given year and allows them to make use of this knowledge in planning future work. We aim to develop initiative, self-reliance and organisational skills for the pupils to be able to select, devise and learn appropriate methods of recording and communicating thoughts, feelings and information.
Thirds
Pupils are introduced to a wide range of topics and are encouraged to work with a variety of materials.
Colour Theory: colour wheel, primary, secondary and tertiary colours and basic colour mixing/blending
Observational Drawings: using soft pencils to create tone and line
Art Historical Research: the study of artists, designers and craftspeople to inform and influence the pupils’ work
Painting: with acrylic paints, using a limited palette of and working on colour mixing and application of paint
Printing: experience of dry-point printing techniques
Collage and mixed media work: pupils will be encouraged to experiment with a range of materials including, oil pastels, charcoal, inks and paper collage
Three Dimensional Work: pupils will experience a hand building project using clay, learn about firing techniques and simple glazing.
Shells
We revisit some areas that were covered in Year 7 but study them in more depth. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with techniques more readily and to evaluate, refine and modify work in progress.
Colour Theory: looking at tones, tints and shades
Observational Drawings: developing measuring skills, to help with accuracy and proportion, and the use of tone and line
Art Historical Research: the study of artists, designers and craftspeople to inform and influence the pupils’ work.
Painting: with acrylic paints, working on colour mixing and application of paint
Printing: experience of dry-point or lino cutting printing techniques
Collage and mixed media work: pupils will be encouraged to experiment with a range of materials including, oil pastels, charcoal, inks and paper collage
Three Dimensional Work: pupils will experience a hand building project using clay, plaster, paper or wire
Fourths
The approach changes in Year 9 as we gear the course towards preparation for GCSE. We focus on the need to improve the basic skills of recording from observation and the development of the pupils’ own ideas and thoughts into suitable conclusions. Working with greater independence is encouraged and this development is promoted through sketchbooks, which are integral to the course. Pupils are encouraged to work at home on the progression of drawing skills and research into the work of other practitioners in order to influence and inform their own practice. Pupils receive external recognition for the excellent work that is frequently produced through the Entry Level Certificate in Art and Design.