Overview:
Our Art curriculum supports students to develop their creative journey by equipping them with the skills to communicate their visual language with passion. The curriculum is designed around the visual elements of Art where students can deepen and extend their knowledge in a variety of skills across a range of materials and techniques. Students will learn how to use the visual elements of Art but also how to analyse and discuss the elements to communicate their thoughts. Our aim is to challenge and extend students with ambitious outcomes where students have the opportunity to create their own interpretations and make informed choices further on through Key Stages 4 and 5. We intend to provide an inclusive and broad curriculum with in-depth cultural and critical understanding that reflects the world around us. Students will be able to transfer and build on skills to prepare them for further education and application to a wide range of creative industries.
Teaching staff:
- Mrs Kaur (Subject Leader)
- Mrs Irvine
- Miss Smith
- Mrs Vincent (Creative Arts Technician)
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Year 7 |
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Summary of curriculum: |
Our curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced, ambitious and suitably challenging to give students the opportunities to explore, investigate and create. The curriculum is sequenced to underpin the key concepts and understanding of the visual elements of Art. Learning is connected and builds on skills, allowing students to become confident with their creativity and application of each visual element in depth. Students develop cultural and critical understanding and explore 2D and 3D techniques. Students are introduced to the world of Art and start to analyse and evaluate artwork using their own interpretations and opinions. |
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Main Topics: |
The visual elements of Art Delicious desserts Under the microscope |
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Assessment throughout the year: |
Drawing, practical and written assessments based on topics taught. |
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How parents/carers can support their child’s learning: |
· Encourage students to practice skills at home. · Support with out of hours learning. · Enjoy exploring Arts & Crafts at home. |
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Character enrichment opportunities: |
Drop in craft and festival clubs throughout the year. |
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Useful websites: |
Elements of Art https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zds7tcw Artist & Craft Tutorials |
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Year 8 |
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Summary of curriculum: |
In Year 8 learning is connected, and students continuously build on their knowledge and skills from Year 7. An in-depth focus is underpinned around each visual element and the learning journey broadens, allowing new skills and techniques to be introduced. Students start to make connections between visual elements to deepen and extend their knowledge and skills. Students look at work of others and research other cultural festivals to enrich and encourage diversity. We encourage students to share ideas, engage in class critique, and discuss and analyse work in depth. |
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Main Topics: |
Insects Day of the dead |
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Assessment throughout the year: |
Drawing, practical and written assessments based on topics taught. |
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How parents/carers can support their child’s learning: |
· Encourage students to practice skills at home. · Support with out of hours learning. · Enjoy exploring Arts & Crafts at home. |
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Character enrichment opportunities: |
Drawing, practical and written assessments based on topics taught. |
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Useful websites: |
Elements of Art https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zds7tcw Artist & Craft Tutorials |
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Year 9 |
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Summary of curriculum: |
Students continue to build on skills from previous years by developing and interweaving the visual elements to create outcomes reflecting a project theme. Students start to transfer skills and apply new knowledge of techniques to aid their progress. Students are given challenges to extend their skills, developing increased confidence with each creative obstacle they overcome. Opportunities are given so students can build on previous knowledge and develop connections throughout their journey, working independently while evaluating their work as it progresses. Students start to take more ownership of their journey making decisions to select media and references for final responses. Projects give students experience and insight in the world of Art and enlighten them for the further education. |
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Main Topics: |
Confectionery Aquatic life |
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Assessment throughout the year: |
Drawing, practical and written assessments based on topics taught. |
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How parents/carers can support their child’s learning: |
· Encourage students to practice skills at home. · Support with out of hours learning. · Enjoy exploring Arts & Crafts at home. |
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Character enrichment opportunities: |
Drawing, practical and written assessments based on topics taught. |
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Useful websites: |
Elements of Art https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zds7tcw Artist & Craft Tutorials |
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Year 10 |
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Summary of curriculum: |
GCSE At GCSE, the first term is dedicated to students spending time exploring skills and introducing new techniques, equipment and concepts as well as learning how to source primary and secondary inspiration. Students acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent. Students learn how to independently find inspiration and create their own responses in relation to work of other artists and cultures. Students then start to build a portfolio of work developing their confidence and proficiency using materials and techniques over the two years. |
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Main Topics: |
Exploring new mediums and techniques Portfolio development |
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Assessment throughout the year: |
Assessment based on the four assessment objective outcomes for the course. A01, A02, A03 & A04. |
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How parents/carers can support their child’s learning: |
· Support with out of hours coursework completion and meeting coursework deadlines. · Reminders to attend enrichment opportunities available. |
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Character enrichment opportunities: |
Lunchtime Art enrichment every Thursday in 0099. |
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Useful websites: |
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Year 11 |
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Summary of curriculum: |
Students continue their portfolio becoming reflective thinkers with enquiring minds focusing on creativity and composition to help turn their ideas into creative outcomes. Students understand how an artist uses a material and concept to give meaning behind their work allowing them to take inspiration from the artists. Once this has been established students broaden their cultural capital and the impact of Art within society and the wider world. Students critique their creative journey and take ownership of their work as it progresses. Students are challenged to make personal choices overcoming obstacles and developing ideas. Student outcomes show independent thought and the freedom to take risks asking questions and problem solving throughout their creative journey. Students can use their strengths and passions for working with techniques and skills to further their progress towards the exam set task to reach their full potential. |
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Main Topics: |
Portfolio completion Set task exam |
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Assessment throughout the year: |
Assessment based on the four assessment objective outcomes for the course. A01, A02, A03 & A04. |
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How parents/carers can support their child’s learning: |
· Support with out of hours coursework completion and meeting coursework deadlines. · Reminders to attend enrichment opportunities available. |
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Character enrichment opportunities: |
Enrichment once a week. |
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Useful websites: |
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Year 12 |
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Summary of curriculum: |
The course builds on skills, knowledge, and creativity from KS4, while also exploring creative expression and the value of Art through investigations practically and analytically. Students start to explore and indulge a breadth of skills across a broad range of media, resulting in the selection of their chosen techniques and materials to showcase their talents. Students independently develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations in response to a given starting point. Students will be able to explore, research, and acquire techniques and develop their skills and knowledge having the freedom to take risks and develop their own artistic style. Students gain a deepening understanding of how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts. Students then start their own personal investigation on a topic of their choice. |
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Main Topics: |
Exploration workshops Personal investigation |
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Assessment throughout the year: |
Assessment based on the four assessment objective outcomes for the course. A01, A02, A03 & A04. |
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How parents/carers can support their child’s learning: |
· Support with out of hours coursework completion and meeting coursework deadlines. · Reminders to attend enrichment opportunities available. · Encourage visits to galleries, exhibitions & craft shows to support primary investigation. |
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Character enrichment opportunities: |
Enrichment once a week. |
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Useful websites: |
https://www.studentartguide.com/articles/cie-a-level-art-coursework-help
Careers |
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Year 13 |
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Summary of curriculum: |
Carrying on from Year 12 students continue their personal investigation using their understanding of the issues and concepts addressed and related to art history and everyday life. Students develop a working vocabulary using specialist terminology to aide their written components giving them the ability to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others. Students find their personal link to the subject through their investigation and what the subject means to them. We see our students as responsible individuals who are aware of the role they play in society and the importance of Art contributing to everyday life. Students are supported with opportunities and future prospects towards further education to continue building foundations for the future. |
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Main Topics: |
Personal investigation Set task exam |
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Assessment throughout the year: |
Assessment based on the four assessment objective outcomes for the course. A01, A02, A03 & A04. |
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How parents/carers can support their child’s learning: |
· Support with out of hours coursework completion and meeting coursework deadlines. · Reminders to attend enrichment opportunities available. · Encourage visits to galleries, exhibitions & craft shows to support primary investigation. |
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Character enrichment opportunities: |
Enrichment once a week. |
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Useful websites: |
https://www.studentartguide.com/articles/cie-a-level-art-coursework-help
Careers |
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Subject contact: Mrs Kaur |
enquiries@darlaston.graceacademy.org.uk |




