Art

Creativity takes courage.”

Henri Matisse

The Art & Photography curriculum, from KS3 to KS5, is designed to develop students with powerful knowledge that nurtures their creativity, enriches their understanding, and inspires students to express their ideas and perspectives. This curriculum is designed to develop self-awareness and confidence as students master a variety of challenging skills across different mediums—from traditional drawing techniques in fine art to innovative digital explorations in photography.

Through this process, students are encouraged to foster a deep appreciation for Art and Design as vital components of global culture. We aim to create an environment where different identities, perspectives, and opinions are valued, preparing students for both academic success and meaningful engagement with the world.

Throughout their studies, students will journey through the formal elements of art and photography, exploring how these principles can be applied across diverse genres and disciplines. They will critically analyse the work of influential artists, engage with various art movements, and deepen their cultural awareness. This knowledge and skillset will prepare them to express their own artistic vision in their chosen medium.

Ultimately, our goal is to inspire, challenge, and equip students with the confidence to experiment, invent, and create their own works of art, craft, and design. Our motivation and aim is to allow students to think critically, act creatively, and appreciate the rich tapestry of the world around them.

Jump to Year Group:

Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11

Subject: Art

Year 7

Autumn 1	Autumn 2
Observational drawing and Still Life Tone Mark making Observational drawing through gridding up method	Observational drawing and Still Life Drawing through gridding up method Mixed media drawing
Spring 1	Spring 2
Colour Theory Terminology Colour Mixing Introduction to watercolour	Landscape Application of Colour Theory Aerial perspective Understanding landscape through artist studies
Summer 1	Summer 2
Landscape Introduction to oil pastel Mark making Understanding landscape through artist studies	Landscape Learning how to compose a landscape Creating a mixed media landscape

Year 8

Autumn 1	Autumn 2
Pattern and Nature Organic patterns Symmetry Understanding pattern through artist study	Pattern and Nature Natural form drawing Understanding pattern through artist study Rotational pattern
Spring 1	Spring 2
Portraiture Self-portraits Understanding portraiture through artist study	Portraiture Understanding portraiture through artist study Self-portraits in the style of an artist
Summer 1	Summer 2
Architecture and the Built Environment Close up observations of building details One-point perspective Understanding how artists represent architecture	Architecture and the Built Environment Understanding how artists represent architecture Mixed media

Year 9

Autumn 1	Autumn 2
Food in Art Observational drawing skills in a variety of medium Understanding how artists represent food in art	Food in Art Photography photoshoot Understanding how artists represent food in art Introduction to acrylic paint
Spring 1	Spring 2
Food in Art Developing compositional skills Creating a project final piece	Typography Developing an understanding of how typography is used Visual representation through typography
Summer 1	Summer 2
Typography Understanding typography through artists and brands. Creating Typography with a variety of media	Typography Creating Typography with a variety of media Stencils and craft knife skills

Year 10

Autumn 1	Autumn 2
Natural Forms Workshops (coursework) Developing Understanding of materials and processes. Example: Monoprint, mixed media, painting.	Continuation of Natural Forms Workshops (coursework) Developing Understanding of materials and processe. Example: Photography, collage, biro.
Spring 1	Spring 2
Introduce Independent personal Project (coursework): Mind mapping an idea, Develop ideas through artist practice. Analyse an artist’s work through written form.	Continuation of Independent personal Project (coursework): Respond to an artist through a photoshoot, Record observations through drawing and painting, Annotate practical work
Summer 1	Summer 2
Continuation of Independent personal Project (coursework): Developing ideas ,Experimenting with materials.	Continuation of Independent personal Project (coursework): Generate and explore potential lines of enquiry review and modify work.

Year 11

Autumn 1	Autumn 2
Continuation of Independent Project (coursework): Developing ideas ,Experimenting with materials, Realising intentions in Final piece, Generate and explore potential lines of enquiry review and modify work.	Continuation of Independent Project (coursework): Plan ideas for final piece, Create a personal response to the theme 10 hour final piece
Spring 1	Spring 2
GCSE exam Paper preparation, Responding to a theme, Mind mapping ideas, Responding to artists, Experimenting with materials & techniques, Recording ideas (written/drawn/photographed) Realising intentions	Continuation of GCSE exam Paper preparation Manipulate imagery digitally and physically, Generate and explore potential lines of enquiry, Review and modify work, Record and plan ideas for final piece,
Summer 1	Summer 2
Continuation of GCSE exam Paper preparation Plan ideas for final piece, create a personal response to the theme, produce and present final outcome. 10 hour invigilated exam.	Creative Statements – authentication document completed for coursework and external set task.