In Years 7-9 pupils will receive 1 hour per week of Art lessons. Students will build up a range of skills and confidence with a wide variety of materials in 2D and 3D. Projects will give the opportunity to incorporate photography and the use of digital research. In preparation for GCSE pathways, projects and assessment will be based around the criteria at GCSE. This includes developing ideas from critical research, experimenting with a range of materials and techniques, recording ideas and responses through observational drawing, appropriate annotation and the use of photography, and presenting outcomes or final pieces for exhibition and celebration of achievement.
Course Content in Lower School Art
Year 7
Year 7 have 1 single lesson per week in Art from a range of teachers with different specialisms. Classes are taught in mixed ability tutor Groups.
Termly projects will include:
- Who am I ? Project
A unit that explores identity and community and introduces mark-making and teaches students to respond to the work of other artists - Hundertwasser and Printmaking
A unit that explores the work of artists and develops skills in printmaking - Andy Warhol and Healthy Eating
Further explorations into printmaking and linked to work in PHSE on healthy eating - Pop Art and 3D Construction
An opportunity to work in groups and learn construction techniques
Year 8
Year 8 have 1 single lesson per week in Art from a range of teachers with different specialisms. Classes are taught in mixed ability tutor Groups.
Termly projects will include:
- Munch and Expressionism
Understanding colour theory and using emotion within portraiture - Understanding Perspective
Exploring both one point and two-point perspective - Still Life and Mondrian
Learning to draw shapes with accuracy and confidence and use tone and colour to create shape - Sculpture and Movement
Exploring the work of artists such as Giacommetti and Antony Gormley students will explore movement and human proportion
Year 9
Year 9 have 1 single lesson per week. Classes are taught in mixed ability tutor groups. The activities and experiences on offer in Year 9 are more varied and tailored to suit the ability an interests of the groups, both to encourage future GCSE students and also motivate and inspire other students in their last year of Art education.
Termly projects will include:
- Portraits inspired by Gustav Klimt and Mucha
- German Expressionist Woodcut Portraits
- Team based sculpture, Everyday Household Still Life Objects
- Mini GCSE taster project
Subject Specific Skills
In Lower School Art lessons, students are expected to demonstrate a range of skills across all units including the following core skills which can be adapted across activities:
- Developing ideas from research and critical contexts
- Exploring a range of materials and techniques
- Recording impressions and ideas using drawing, photography and annotation
- Presenting outcomes and final pieces developing confidence and increasing skills
Assessment in Lower School Art
How we assess
In Art students are assessed against our Art specific criteria for each unit they complete. In each lesson teachers will make assessments and will provide students with verbal feedback. Students are actively encouraged to conduct self and peer-assessments regularly in addition to staff comments within Art lessons.
When we assess
In Art we assess Year 7 students after 3 lessons in the first term to establish base data. From here on formal summative assessments, occur at the end of each unit in the form of Rising, Emerging and Mastering assessments for Years 7 & 8. This data is used to inform report writing.
In addition to formal assessments, peer and self-assessment as well as verbal staff feedback occurs in each lesson. Students form their self-assessment against personal target after each activity in their progress booklet, which is followed by teacher comment.
Marking of Students’ Work and Feedback
Students’ work is expected to be marked by the teacher once every 6 lessons in line with the school marking policy. Teachers will specifically indicate what work will and will not be marked in order to give our students a clear idea of what is expected from them and so they can always present their best work.
Assessment feedforward sheets are used as part of the assessment marking process at the end of each unit which usually marries up to each term. Staff comments provide guidance on how students can improve their level of understanding. Staff are expected to review all peer assessed and self-assessed work and provide guidance when necessary. Students are encouraged to self- and peer-assess their work through the use of our Green and Purple
Setting in Lower School Art
All students are taught in mixed ability classes in Years 7-9 with clear differentiation of teaching to ensure that all students are stretched and challenged to achieve their full artistic potential.
Homework
- Art homework can be set on a weekly basis or some projects are set over a longer period to ensure that students have time to produce high quality work. Students will record homework in their planners and teachers will share the work via SIMS Learning Gateway
- Homework at Lower School typically include: production of art which may take considerable time outside lessons or research projects about specific artistic styles and artists
- Maximum intended length of homework per subject should normally be 30 mins per week in Year 7, extending to 45 minutes in Year 9 although this may be spread over longer project work
Supporting Your Daughter in Lower School Art
- Encourage attendance to the Period 6 LEAP Art and Photography activities
- Making sure that your daughter has the required equipment for her lessons including a 4B pencil, sharpener and rubber
- Encourage her to attend Art exhibitions and galleries
- Encourage her to attend wider cultural events which may inspire her creativity