Year 8 - Art and Design

Pupils are introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of media, processes and techniques that develop their awareness and understanding of colour, tone, texture, shape and form. Pupils are able to create responses using a combination of methods including;

Painting, drawing, mixed-media and collage
Sculpture and relief work
Textiles

Pupils are set practical tasks that encourage an investigative approach to a given theme. To support the creative work they produce in school, pupils are set homework tasks that encourage independent study. Underpinning all of the units of work is the use of sketchbooks and the study of artists, crafts people and designers. A piece of homework to extend classroom learning will be given each week.

Content to be studied

Method of assessment

Autumn 1

Modern art Movements

During this unit of work pupils will be introduced to a broad range of Art movements and the historical context in which these movements were formed. Pupils will be analysing the ‘History of Art’ and questioning the representation of art from a Western perspective and the issues this creates. Pupils will explore different styles of art and will be looking in depth at different cultures and embracing diversity.

Pupils will have the opportunity to experiment and explore with a range of different media to enhance their understanding of how these artists produced their work.

Diagnostic drawing tests will link to the unit theme

at the beginning and end of each unit of work.

Pupils will be awarded a grade of Developing, Secure or Excellent for each piece of class work and homework.

Autumn 2

Modern art Movements

Pupils will have the opportunity to experiment and explore with a range of different media to enhance their understanding of how these artists produced their work.

Diagnostic drawing tests will link to the unit theme

at the beginning and end of each unit of work.

Pupils will be awarded a grade of Developing, Secure or Excellent for each piece of class work and homework.

Spring 1

Art & Architecture- Antoni Gaudi

Pupils will explore and respond to the environment and investigate and research the work of artists and architects. This unit of work is largely based on the architect Antoni Gaudi.

This term, pupils will explore drawing, mark making and mixed media techniques in response to Gaudi’s architecture.

Diagnostic drawing tests will link to the unit theme

at the beginning and end of each unit of work.

Pupils will be awarded a grade of Developing, Secure or Excellent for each piece of class work and homework.

Spring 2

Art & Architecture- Antoni Gaudi

Pupils will explore and respond to the environment and investigate and research the work of artists and architects. This unit of work is largely based on the architect Antoni Gaudi.

This term, pupils will explore drawing, mark making and mixed media techniques in response to Gaudi’s architecture.

Diagnostic drawing tests will link to the unit theme

at the beginning and end of each unit of work.

Pupils will be awarded a grade of Developing, Secure or Excellent for each piece of class work and homework.

Summer 1

Art & Architecture- Antoni Gaudi

This unit of work continues, exploring the work of Antoni Gaudi through a painted and collaged outcome.

Diagnostic drawing tests will link to the unit theme

at the beginning and end of each unit of work.

Pupils will be awarded a grade of Developing, Secure or Excellent for each piece of class work and homework.

Summer 2

Art & Architecture- Antoni Gaudi

This unit of work continues, exploring the work of Antoni Gaudi through a painted and collaged outcome.

Diagnostic drawing tests will link to the unit theme

at the beginning and end of each unit of work.

Pupils will be awarded a grade of Developing, Secure or Excellent for each piece of class work and homework.

How will I know if my daughter is achieving this?

At the beginning and end of each term all pupils will have a diagnostic drawing test. This helps us to monitor the progress of each pupil, allowing us to quickly identify and target the areas of strength or weakness.

Pupils will receive written or verbal feedback on each piece of work they produce. All pupils must act upon any feedback or advice given to ensure they are working to their full potential.

Pupils will be awarded a grade of Developing, Secure or Excellent for each piece of class work and homework.

How can I help my daughter?

Regular visits to Art Galleries and Exhibitions are always encouraged. Throughout Wirral and Liverpool there are a number of excellent Galleries that are free to enter.

The Williamson Art Gallery - Birkenhead

Lady Lever Art Gallery - Port Sunlight

Tate Gallery - Albert Dock, Liverpool

The Walker Art Gallery – Liverpool…. to name but a few

Enrichment opportunities

There are a number of creative magazines available to read in the library as such as ‘Molly Makes’ and ‘Creative Review’.