CURRICULUM
Year 7
In Year 7 we aim to strengthen the foundations introduced in KS2. We do this by addressing core principals of art and design through theme-based projects linked very closely with L4L topics of study. We cover a wide range of skills from 3D, painting, drawing skills and craft to develop the child’s cultural and social awareness through Art. We support the transition into sketchbooks and being able to record and reflect on their works. We encourage visual literacy to promote the enjoyment and appreciation that Art can bring.
Year 7 Curriculum
Identity:
In Year 7, students explore the theme of Identity through portraiture, developing their understanding of how art can represent who we are and how we see others. Pupils build strong foundational skills in observational drawing using techniques such as the grid method and the halfway rule to improve accuracy and proportion. They learn to apply tonal shading, mark making and colour theory, while experimenting with a range of media including pencil, watercolour, collage and printmaking.
Students engage with the work of artists such as Loui Jover, analysing how identity can be expressed and deconstructed through mixed media. Through this, they develop their ability to respond to artists, annotate their ideas and create meaningful, personal outcomes. The project culminates in the creation of a mixed media self-portrait, where students combine techniques and materials to communicate their own identity confidently and creatively.
Archtecture:
In the summer term students explore the theme of Architecture, developing their understanding of how buildings and structures can inspire creative art outcomes. Pupils investigate famous landmarks from around the world and learn how architectural styles can be combined to communicate ideas about place and culture.
Students build core drawing skills through observational studies, focusing on proportion, accuracy and detail. They develop confidence in coloured pencil techniques, learning how to apply layering and shading to create depth and realism. Alongside this, students experiment with a range of creative processes including collage, stencilling and cardboard relief to explore texture, structure and form.
Year 8
In Year 8 we continue to grow the pupils’ confidence in their artistic skills and abilities. By supporting their sketchbook journey with more emphasis on independent recording experimentation and reflection. We offer a breadth of new experiments and techniques during this year to broaden their skill set within Art. We cover a variety of materials including inks, printing, textiles and digital; combined with reference to many great artists over different historical and contemporary contexts to also grow their knowledge.
Year 8 Curriculum
Fabulous Food:
In Year 8, students explore the theme of Fabulous Food, using it as a starting point to develop observational drawing, colour application and three-dimensional making skills. Pupils refine their accuracy through the grid method, learning to carefully observe and record details from primary and secondary sources. They build confidence in tonal shading and colour blending using pencil, watercolour and oil pastel techniques.
Students experiment with a range of materials and processes, including printmaking techniques such as monoprinting and polyprinting, to explore mark making and surface design. They study the work of artist Wayne Thiebaud, analysing how colour, composition and texture can transform everyday objects into visually striking artworks.
Through the development of design ideas, students create imaginative outcomes inspired by food imagery, considering composition and perspective. The project culminates in a mixed media and 3D outcome, where students construct and decorate a sculptural cake form, combining technical skill with creative expression.
Heroes and Villains:
In Year 8, students investigate the theme of Heroes and Villains, exploring how artists and designers create dynamic characters through proportion, movement and visual storytelling. Pupils develop their understanding of human anatomy and proportion, using techniques such as the grid method to improve accuracy and realism.
Students build their drawing skills further by exploring perspective, helping them to create depth and convincing environments for their characters. They experiment with tonal shading, monochromatic colour schemes and expressive mark making to communicate mood and emotion.
Through the study of contemporary artist David Despau, students analyse how bold colour, texture and mixed media can be used to create impactful portrait work. They also explore typography and composition to enhance narrative and visual impact.
The project culminates in a mixed media final outcome, where students combine drawing, painting and collage techniques to create a striking hero or villain character that communicates identity, mood and storytelling.
Year 9
Year 9 is where we build and start to solidify our experiences. We begin with guided practice covering topics that will supply us with enhanced knowledge of practicals and process such as craft and 3D elements These are all underpinned by the learning from previous years with enhanced drawing, painting and observational skills. We incorporate both 2D and 3D elements to secure pupils’ broad experience of materials and techniques. By the end of the term we will approach the subject with more independence and ownership over our projects with a mini GCSE taster topic.
Year 9 Curriculum
Creatures:
In Year 9, students explore the theme of Creatures, developing their ability to generate, refine and present creative ideas through a structured artistic process. Pupils begin by responding to the theme through mind maps and mood boards, learning how to organise and communicate ideas visually.
Students refine observational drawing skills using the grid method, focusing on accuracy, proportion and detail, before developing tonal pencil shading techniques to create depth, texture and realism. They experiment with a range of media, including oil pastel monoprinting and mixed media, to explore colour, mark making and surface.
Through the study of illustrator Tony Meeuwissen, students investigate how artists combine real and imaginary elements to create hybrid creatures. They develop their ability to analyse and respond to artists, before applying these influences to their own work through collage and illustration techniques.
The project culminates in a refined mixed media final outcome, where students create a unique hybrid creature, demonstrating creativity, technical skill and the ability to develop and communicate ideas effectively.
Ocean Discovery:
Students explore the theme of Ocean Discovery, combining art with environmental awareness to investigate marine life and the impact of climate change. Pupils develop their observational drawing skills using the grid method, focusing on accuracy, detail and proportion when recording coral and ocean imagery.
Students build confidence in mark making and tonal techniques, using hatching, stippling and layering to create depth and texture. They further develop their understanding of colour through watercolour techniques, learning how to blend and layer to create harmonious, realistic outcomes.
Through the study of artist Courtney Mattison, students explore how art can communicate important environmental messages. They analyse her ceramic coral sculptures and respond through creative processes including collage, printmaking and mixed media experimentation.
Students also extend their practice into three dimensions, developing clay techniques such as scoring, slipping and joining to create textured coral-inspired sculptures. The project culminates in a final outcome that demonstrates technical control, creativity and an understanding of how art can raise awareness of global issues.
KS4 GCSE Art, Craft and Design
At GCSE, students develop a personal and meaningful approach to art, craft and design through sustained projects that build creativity, independence and technical skill. In Component 1, students complete two projects: a structured Pop Art project and an independent sustained project, allowing them to progressively develop confidence in generating and refining ideas.
Students explore a wide range of artists, cultures and creative movements, learning to analyse and respond to artistic work with increasing depth. They experiment with diverse media including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and mixed media, refining their skills in observational drawing, composition, colour theory and mark making.
The Pop Art project provides a foundation in experimentation and artist analysis, while the independent project enables students to take ownership of their theme, developing a highly personal response through investigation, experimentation and refinement. Throughout the course, students build sketchbooks that demonstrate the creative journey, culminating in a resolved final outcome that reflects their intentions and artistic identity.
