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Art & Design

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Curriculum Intent

Art and Design at Key Stage 3 provides students with the opportunity to express themselves creatively, developing both practical skills and a deeper understanding of visual culture. Our curriculum is designed to inspire imagination, build technical expertise and promote an appreciation of art in its many forms. With a strong focus on literacy, students are encouraged to articulate their creative processes through the development of oracy skills (supported by Voice21), enhancing their ability to discuss and evaluate their work and the work of others. Through reflection, students build confidence and resilience, while Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) values, British Values and a Greener Curriculum underpin their exploration of the world through art. 


In Year 7, students engage with the units ‘Who’s Behind the Mask’ and ‘Under the Sea’. These topics introduce them to colour theory, observational drawing, and 3D modelling. Techniques such as working with oil pastels and paint are explored, with a focus on artists like Kimmy Cantrell. Students learn to express personal identity and environmental awareness, fostering respect for diverse perspectives and reinforcing SMSC values. Through these units, students develop practical skills, but also explore the emotional and cultural connections in art. 


In Year 8, the ‘Location, Location, Location’ and’ A Bug’s Life’ units build on students' skills, encouraging them to connect their learning to local landmarks and the natural world. Through poly-tile printing, collage, and line drawing, students study artists like Lizzie Cornelius and explore the theme of Pride in the Solent. The curriculum encourages personal expression while promoting environmental awareness, linking to our school’s Greener Curriculum and British Values. 


Year 9 introduces more complex techniques in the ‘Feathers and Fur’ and ‘On the Horizon’ units. Students develop proficiency in acrylic painting, composition, and landscape painting, with inspiration drawn from artists like Etel Adnan. These units refine students' observational drawing skills and foster an appreciation of art’s role in capturing nature, culture, and social issues. 


The KS3 Art and Design curriculum provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing GCSEs in Art, Craft and Design, Textile Design, Photography, Graphic Communication, and Three-Dimensional Design. Beyond school, the skills developed in Art and Design are valuable for careers in architecture, fashion, game design, advertising, and many other creative industries. Through art, students develop transferable skills that will serve them in the wider world.

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