Art

The art curriculum at THS aims to provide an outstanding experience for all our students, which enriches their ambition, love of learning and creativity. The curriculum builds on students’ prior experience of art and develops an understanding of the rich cultural tapestry of both British and worldwide art. We strive to ensure students understand why art and creativity are so relevant to modern day life. Students will learn about the many creative opportunities in post 16 pathways and the world of work.

In art we have identified a set of ‘key constructs’ which we believe are fundamental to students becoming successful artists. These are organised under four learning areas of; ‘knowledge’, ‘experimenting’, ‘skill’ and ‘creativity’.
The art curriculum is carefully planned to ensure all students can access and make progress whatever their starting point and ability. We expect and achieve exceptional outcomes. We ensure all students are challenged in all of the art ‘key constructs’ and ensure appropriate scaffolding is put in place to accelerate the learning of students who need intervention.

The program of study covers the national curriculum in an exciting yet challenging way and the five year art learning journey is carefully planned to continuously interleave the overarching key constructs. In year 7 we frontload the key construct of recording though observations of natural forms. We introduce a range of traditional and less traditional media for students to begin to ‘master’ though developing and experimenting. We introduce the construct of researching the work of other artists and artefacts through the creation of an art timeline.

Year 8 is delivered in a similar way to a GCSE project with an emphasis on creativity and experimenting and revisits many of the key constructs. We encourage all students to use a range of materials which can include printing, painting, ceramics, sculpting, animation, photography, mixed media and collage.

In year 9, students revisit and deepen their understanding of all the key constructs through more independent project work. We explicitly teach students the four specialisms we offer; fine art, graphic communications, 3D design and photography so that students are able to make an informed choice when they make their options.

In year 10 students start studying their chosen art subject(s) and create a personal portfolio which counts towards 60% of their final grade. By Year 10 any scaffolding which may have been in place in earlier years is removed, allowing students to become independent and focus more on their strengths. By January in Year 11 students start their externally set assignment or ESA project that results in the timed test and completion of their final outcome/s or body of work.