“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”- Picasso.

The art department seeks to provide our students with knowledge and skill  that is beyond their daily experience . We aspire to provide our young people with an appreciation of the manner in which art can shed light on the human condition as well as develop a critical understanding of beauty.

We aim to enable our pupils to become visually literate and to encourage the use and understanding of art as a means of visual and tactile communication. This involves the development of the imagination, informed opinion and global developments as well as an understanding and knowledge of the contribution of various artists. Finally we believe that every pupil has the entitlement to discover the cultural capital that our subject encourages to enable them to live as engaged and active citizens in modern Britain.

Curriculum Organisation.

Students will develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through activities set out in the scheme of work; each year group covering progressively more complex aspects of the main areas- drawing, painting, printing, sculpture and textiles.

Time will be devoted to the teaching of discrete art skills. A series of lessons may be followed by a session where skills and techniques are applied. End pieces may be directed towards other subjects where appropriate.

The Art teacher will follow the progressive programme set out in the school’s scheme of work allowing for differentiation according to the level and need of the individual student.

In appreciation of the wide range of wonderful art galleries and museums in London , the children will be encouraged to make independent visits

Children’s artwork will be celebrated through class and school displays. They should be given the opportunity to discuss and arrange displays of work within the classroom.

Continuity and Progression:

Children will build upon their existing knowledge to ensure continuity and progression, and this will be evident in the planning for each year.

Traffic light system is implemented.

Progress is monitored and is evident within SIMS, SISRA, class charts, class folders, sketchbooks/work journals, homework and personal response.

Sketchbooks/Work Journals:

Children will be encouraged to develop the habit of using their sketchbooks/work journals for:

• recording, exploring and storing visual and other information e.g.
  • notes and selected materials which can readily be retrieved and
  • used as reference,
• working out ideas, plans and designs,
• reference – as they develop ideas for their work
• looking back at and reflecting on their work, reviewing and identifying their progress.
• as an ongoing record of their learning and achievement, which they can use to further develop their ideas, skills and understanding.

Sketchbooks/work journals/folders are a clear and beautiful indication of progress.

Teaching and Learning Strategies:

Throughout the key stages children will experience working individually, in groups and as a whole class. They will be given opportunities to develop the skills taught to them. They will begin to use and explore a range of media. They will be learning to plan and develop their ideas and to compare and discuss styles of works of art including their own.

Teaching will be led through:-

• careful planning incorporating progression
• practical demonstration of skills
• the setting of challenging activities
• encouragement and further development of experimentation
• purposeful discussion and comparisons of work of art and the children’s own work. 

     The Curriculum encourages   pupils to ‘think like’ rather than ‘make like’ artists, craft workers and                   designers.

     UNICEF Article 31 You have a right to relax, play and join in a wide range of activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key stage 3 overview 

Key stage 4 overview 

Key Stage 5 overview: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma 

Useful websites for this subject: