PROJECTS - KEY STAGE 3:
This involves pupils working on modules, relating to our specialist practice areas, for a substantial period each year.
The specialist practice areas are:
a]. Painting (oil pastels, watercolour, poster colour, acrylics)
b]. Printmaking (built block (yr7), lino-cutting (yr9)).
c]. Ceramics/Pottery.
d]. ICT is utilised whenever relevant/possible.
In year 7 pupils work on a variety of topics and spend approximately 1 term using each of the 3 practice areas (a, b and c).
However, in years 8 and 9 pupils spend the entire academic year on a one-themed project.
In year 8 a unit of Ceramics is combined with a Painting module.
The year 9 project focuses on a unit of Printmaking (lino-cutting) coupled with a Painting module.
These different practices are not to be seen as isolated areas of study but links are identified and developed, whenever possible, in order to foster the pupils' awareness of integration between the practices.
Drawing is a very important and integral part of all projects. This takes a variety of forms, but working from observation and developing imaginative designs are significant features of our approach.
Homework:
This is a very important aspect of our projects as it enables pupils to extend their learning outside of the classroom.
A limited number, of approximately 6-8 assignments, are set during an academic year. This is in acknowledgment of the significant time commitment required to complete an art focused homework thoroughly and, therefore, to make it of value.
The requirements for each assignment, coupled with the success indicators (which inform pupils as to what they should be aiming to achieve), are detailed on the homework sheets which may be accessed on this site by clicking on the appropriate buttons above.
Course Descriptions (these are used on the Reports/Record of Progress):
General:
The Art course in Key Stage 3 is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and aims to provide pupils with a broad experience in Art and Design. Pupils work with a range of materials and techniques including: drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics.
Year 7:
In Year 7, our aim is to familiarise pupils with the specialist facilities, build up pupils’ knowledge and confidence and instil a basic foundation of good practice. Work in Year 7 is generally experimental, although some ideas will be developed through to a final piece of work. Pupils are required to keep up a sketchbook and are asked to research into artists’ work. Pupils are encouraged to consider, review and evaluate their work.
Year 8:
In Year 8 our aim is to build upon the foundation of good practice laid in year 7. Pupils work on a set theme developing their technical skills and exploring ideas in an in depth manner. Pupils are required to keep up a sketchbook and are asked to form links with and analyse appropriate artists’ images. Pupils are encouraged to consider, review and evaluate their work in order to acknowledge success and make improvements.
Year 9:
In year 9 our aim is to consolidate the work covered in years 7 and 8. Pupils work on a set theme developing and refining their technical skills while developing personal ideas. Pupils are required to keep up a sketchpad and to form links with and analyse appropriate artists’ images. Pupils are encouraged to consider, review and evaluate their work in order to acknowledge success and make improvements.
