Art & Design

Intent:

Art and Design at The Peak aims to inspire, challenge and motivate every student, no matter what their level of ability. The curriculum is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works. Whilst developing critical thinking and the ability to evaluate and analyse their own work as well as that of others. Including an understanding of how art, craft and design, reflects and shapes history and contributes to the culture of nations. It truly is a cross curriculum subject, and we aim to support the student’s development of their fine motor skills and other transferrable skills such as problem-solving, group work and creative thinking. Students are introduced to a range of different media, processes and techniques, including the importance of health and safety/safe working practices. Across the key stages students will develop a foundation of knowledge and skills which will allows for progression, personal choice and development towards GCSE and post 16, including the exploration of careers with the art, craft and design industry and beyond. 

Each project is tailored to the needs of the class and the students within it. This means that how one group explores ‘Movement’ may vary to another. However, the skill and knowledge development is best suited to the learning stage of the student. This promotes the ‘I can do art’ mind set and inclusivity.

Prior Learning required to access Upper Key Stage 2:

• Introduction to the work of a range of artists, craft markers and designers. Students should be able to describe similarities, differences and make links to their own work.
• Development of a wide range of techniques in using the 7 elements of art.
• Use of a range of material creatively to design and make products.
• Use of drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas and experiences with imagination.

Key Stage 2 Summary:

• Development of techniques, control of media, creativity, experimentation and an awareness of different types of art, craft and design.
• Great artists, designers and architects in history.
• Improved mastery of techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a wide range of materials.
• Creating sketchbooks to record observations, using them to review and revisit ideas.

Key Stage Three (KS3) Summary:

• Each lesson is 50 minutes, Nurture have 2 lessons a week, all other classes have 1 lesson a week. Classes are mixed year group and ability, but of a similar cognitive stage.
• Each project follows a similar format to the GCSE course, with artist or contextual investigates (AO1), exploration of media and techniques (AO2), opportunities to record using different methods and processes (AO3) and finally linking this all together with a final outcome(s) (AO4). Not all projects may have a final outcome as the purpose may be more focused on the learning journey, such as exploration of skills and media.
• Arts Award qualification opportunities across the academic year, including Discover (certificated by Trinity College London), Explore (Entry Level 3 Award in the Arts, Qualification no. 600/3894/9) and Bronze (Level 1 Award in the Arts, Qualification no. 501/0081/6).

Key Stage Four (KS4) Summary

• Each lesson is 50 minutes with 3 lessons a week, divided into 1 single and 1 double period with class of mixed ability (option subject).
• AQA Fine Art specification (Other AQA specifications will be used as appropriate for students)
• 60% coursework and 40% externally set exam (Due to Covid-19 there is currently no externally set exam taking place in the summer of 2022, resulting in 100% coursework. Summer of 2023 TBC).
  • AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
  • AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
  • AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses. 
  • AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Forge (Intervention)

• 2 doubled periods on Thursday and Friday Mornings, 1 student at a time, students and session per students TBC.
• Introduction to blacksmithing/metal work, health and safety/safe working practices and real-world skills/careers.
• SEMH development opportunities.
• Potentially KS4 three-dimensional specification applications or additional work requirements during double lessons.

Please see our Art and Design Curriculum Progress Map in the attachment below or by clicking here