Creativity through the visual arts is essential for developing confidence and well-being. It provides an outlet for personal expression and develops the unique individuality within each child. Learning a visual language is a necessary form of communication in the creative industries. Drawing is at the heart of all forms of design and at St John’s drawing skills are developed through KS3. At St. John’s we use a thematic approach in keeping with the examination specifications. All students will follow the same theme but the approach will differ according to the teacher’s interest and expertise. The NC is fully covered throughout KS3 in that all students will have the opportunity to create their own work using a range of techniques and processes and learn about the work of the great artists.

Year 7 

Term 1 

Formal elements of Art and Design

Students will learn about the formal elements of art and design (colour, line, tone, shape, pattern, texture, and composition) leading to a baseline assessment. This assessment will be based on a drawing test from direct observation where they will demonstrate their understanding of the visual language and research produced in their sketchbook on famous artists.

Term 2 

Folk Art and the Design Process

Students will research Saint Oscar Romero and the folk art of Fernando LLort. They will design a personalised cross based on their personal interests and beliefs.

 Term 3

Create a Romero Cross

Students will be given a wooden cross on which to paint their refined and developed design. They will be taught how to use acrylic paint and apply their knowledge of the formal elements, in particular colour and pattern.

Term 4

Cultural Studies

Students will be introduced to different cultural conventions within art and design. The department has an extensive collection of African, Aboriginal, Mexican, Indian and Egyptian artefacts which the students will study. They will produce practical work in response to their studies alongside learning about different cultures.

Term 5

Cultural Studies-outcome

Students will produce an outcome based on their studies of different cultures. This will be either 2D, 3D or a print. Examples of past projects are the Day of the Dead skeletons on display in the art loft and Aboriginal paintings displayed in the geography area in the communities.

Term 6

Looking at and responding to Art

Students will be taught how to describe and evaluate artworks using a clear structure. They will learn about style and genre by copying sections of famous paintings. They will learn how to analyse great works of art.

Skills covered

• Drawing from primary and secondary sources • Tonal drawing and perspective • Colour mixing and application • Mixed media techniques • 3D modelling • Using key art terms to describe and analyse works of Art.

Assessment

For each of the three milestones students will be assessed on their outcome based on the theme, research in their sketchbooks and an observational drawing test

Year 8 

Term 1 

Cross curricular and collaborative work

During this term the art department works with another department to produce collaborative work to be displayed in the communities and around the school. In previous years year 8 students have worked with the history department and produced the large symbolic rainbow displayed near reception dedicated to those lost during the Covid-19 pandemic, the “Poppy Curtains” and WW2 helmets decorated with scenes from work be famous war artists.

Term 2 

Liturgical Art 

Students will produce art and craft based on the Nativity. Responses will be displayed as part of an exhibition during the annual school carol service. 

Term 3 

Cultural Celebrations

Students will further explore different cultural conventions in art building upon what they learnt in year 7

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Term 4 

Cultural Studies outcome

Students will produce a personalised outcome based on their research on art

Term 5 

“Object for an Artist” 

Contextual Study will form a key role in this unit. Students will be taught how to produce annotated visual research on artists and designers from across times and cultures. 

Term 6 

“Colour as Spiritual Delight” 

Pupils will be given structured tours of the annual exhibition and be expected to draw inspiration form the work of older examination students

Skills covered

• Drawing from primary and secondary sources • Tonal drawing and perspective • Colour mixing and application • How to analyse a work of Art • 2D,3D and printmaking techniques 

Assessment 

At the end of each term students will be assessed on their outcome based on the theme, research in their sketchbooks and an observational drawing. 

What will I gain from studying Art and Design? 

An understanding of the formal elements of Art and Design 

The chance to experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques 

Intensive study of artists and designers relevant to the themes 

Pathways this course can lead to: 

Enrichment Art 

Enrichment Photography 

Enrichment Media 

Enrichment Graphic Design 

Enrichment Fashion and Textiles 

Level 1 / 2 BTEC in Art and Design 

Level 1 / 2 BTEC in Art and Design (Photography pathway) 

Level 1 / 2 BTEC in Art and Design (Graphic Design pathway) 

Level 1 / 2 BTEC in Art and Design (Fashion and Textiles pathway) 

Level 1 / 2 BTEC in Creative Digital Media 

GCSE Fine Art 

GCSE Photography