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Art

The intention of the Art curriculum at Weald of Kent Grammar School is to show students that art is accessible, inclusive, and relevant to everyone. We believe that creativity knows no bounds, and through a broad curriculum, we provide students with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of materials, techniques, and processes. This enables them to develop both their practical and theoretical knowledge of art, while encouraging them to observe the world around them with a critical and curious eye. 

Our aim is to inspire students to question the visual imagery they encounter daily, prompting deeper reflection on the meaning and impact of art in society. We encourage independent learning, fostering a passion for art that extends beyond technical skills. Whether students are experienced or just beginning their artistic journey, we nurture their ability to express themselves confidently and creatively. 

Through the study of art, we not only build students' skills but also cultivate their enthusiasm for a subject that is relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable for all. We want students to feel empowered in their creative choices, becoming passionate and reflective artists who understand the role of art in both their personal lives and the wider world. 

 

Course Content 

Years 7-9 

Year 7: 

Term 1: 

  • Introduction to key art vocabulary and definitions of the formal elements (line, shape, form, colour, pattern, tone, and texture). 

Term 2: 

  • Introduction to observational drawing, understanding how a ‘success criteria’ can aid the progress of a drawing. 

  • Self and peer assessment to facilitate progress and independence. 

  • Learning about different drawing pencil grades and how to use them effectively. 

Term 3: 

  • Understanding the colour wheel, including primary, secondary, tertiary, complementary, and harmonious colours. 

  • Exploring the use of tone and tints. 

  • Investigating the properties of watercolour paints and learning how to achieve brush control. 

  • Analysing the work of Abstract artist Paul Klee and his use of colour. 

Term 4: 

  • Analysis of the work of illustrator Rosalind Monks and the creative use of line, shape, and pattern within her work. 

  • Understanding the differences between primary and secondary reference material and how they can be used to create line drawings. 

  • Developing skills in pattern creation and applying knowledge of colour to insect drawings. 

Term 5: 

  • Students work collaboratively and learn how to communicate effectively, solve problems together, and respect diverse perspectives. 

  • Experimenting with mixed media to create a relief collagraph printmaking plate. 

Term 6: 

  • Exploring the properties of materials and how they affect artistic outcomes. 

  • Applying knowledge of formal elements to plan and execute a personal artwork. 

  • Learning to use cutting tools safely. 

 

 

Year 8: 

 

Term 1: Arts and Crafts and Aesop’s Fables 

  • Introduction to the Arts and Crafts movement: key artists, design features, and the impact on art and culture. 

  • Explore the life of Aesop’s and a selection of his moral tales, understanding the themes and messages within them. 

  • Learning how to record observations from secondary sources, focusing on gathering relevant information. 

 

Term 2: Arts and Crafts and Aesop’s Fables 

  • Review and apply knowledge of composition rules to evaluate artistic works. 

  • Distinguish between relief and intaglio decoration techniques. 

  • Explore materials, techniques, and processes involved in using clay. 

  • Engage in self and peer assessment, using key art vocabulary to evaluate art projects. 

 

Term 3: Arts and Crafts and Aesop’s Fables 

  • Review and apply rules of composition in art, further developing creative skills. 

  • Dive deeper into creating narrative clay tiles, focusing on techniques and processes. 

Term 4: African Art Project 

  • Introduction to the historical and cultural significance of African art, with a focus on West African design. 

  • Study the work of African craftspeople and their artistic traditions. 

  • Conduct research on the symbolic meaning of a selected African animal, creating an informed observational drawing using secondary resources. 

  • Review colour theory and enhance skills in using colouring pencils for detailed artwork. 

 

Term 5: African Art Project 

  • Identify design characteristics within various African patterns, understanding their cultural significance. 

  • Learn to appreciate the physical features of lino print designs. 

  • Safely create a lino print block, applying correct tools and techniques for the process. 

 

Term 6: African Art Project 

  • Refine lino printing skills, ensuring safe use of tools and processes to create clear prints. 

  • Explore how printmakers use a single motif to develop patterns and design layouts. 

  • Understand the differences in printmaking layouts and apply these techniques to individual projects. 

 

Etching and Printmaking:  

  • Studying key Surrealist artists and key figures in the movement. 

  • Developing key vocabulary for analysing Surrealist work. 

  • Experimenting with various mark-making techniques in dry-point etching. 

  • Learning the materials, techniques, and processes involved in etching and printmaking. 

  • Analysis of the work of printmakers to realise potential of personal work. 

  • Experimenting with different experimental printing techniques to create a series of etchings. 

Colour Portraits: 

  • Revisiting the properties of the formal elements: line, shape, form, colour, tone, and texture. 

  • Mastering basic operations of an SLR camera and photo editing techniques. 

  • Exploring different drawing techniques and applying correct facial proportions within the creation of a portrait. 

  • Using colour theory to create form in portraits. 

  • Analysis of the work of portrait artists Agnes Grochulshka and Fred Hatt. 

  • Exploring materials, techniques, and processes involved in acrylic painting and use of oil pastels. 

  • Developing key vocabulary within analysis of portrait artists and their use of colour theory. 

  • Reviewing and refining outcomes through self and peer assessment. 

 

Close Ups:  

  • Understanding key vocabulary for analysing collage artwork. 

  • Exploring materials, techniques, and processes involved in creating a collage. 

  • Exploring materials, techniques, and processes involved in tonal drawing. 

  • Engaging in self and peer assessment to refine tonal artwork. 

  • Learning the techniques and processes of working with oil pastels. 

 

Key stage 4 

We follow the Edexcel Fine Art GCSE exam board specification. 

Students studying this course will have the opportunity to develop and refine their practical skills, exploring a range of materials and techniques to express their creative ideas. They will learn how to research and develop ideas independently, use a variety of media, and demonstrate their understanding of the artistic process. Students will also focus on developing their analytical and critical thinking skills, applying relevant art vocabulary, and reflecting on the works of artists to inspire their own artistic development within this two-year course. 

Year 10: 

In Year 10, students are encouraged to foster their creative curiosity as they work towards developing a comprehensive portfolio. This journey allows them to independently experiment with a range of materials, techniques, and processes, enabling them to refine their skills and ideas. As their portfolio evolves, students review and refine their concepts, ensuring their work aligns with their creative intentions. This culminates in the Pre-Public Examination (PPE), where students are expected to realise these intentions through the planning, experimentation, and execution of a refined creative outcome, showcasing their progress and artistic development. 

Year 11: 

In Year 11, students continue to develop their knowledge and skills within their refinement of a variety of materials, techniques, and processes. The externally set examination project, which is introduced in the Spring of this year allows students to independently experiment and refine their work, preparing for a 10-hour exam where they will execute a refined, thoughtful outcome that reflects their artistic development. 

Key stage 5 

Years 12 and 13 

The AQA two-year A-Level Fine Art course offers students the opportunity to express their creativity and document the world around them through various artistic mediums. Over two years, students will develop their understanding of creative processes, honing their abilities to observe, think critically, and communicate visually, verbally, and in writing. The course encourages independent work, allowing students to make discoveries through the exploration of ideas, artists’ works, and different materials and techniques. 

The curriculum covers a wide range of artistic practices, including drawing, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, installation, and printmaking. A key aspect of the course is the opportunity for students to draw from the human form, as a life model is invited for drawing lessons. Drawing is an essential element of the development process, with students using a variety of materials and techniques to record their observations and source material, from initial sketches to finished pieces. 

The course places great emphasis on contextual understanding and professional practice, encouraging students to investigate and interpret the work of other artists to inspire their own creative journey. Through this exploration, students will learn how to effectively communicate ideas and emotions through the organization of materials and formal artistic elements. This A Level Fine Art course is ideal for those with an adventurous, creative, and inquisitive mind, offering the skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of career opportunities in the arts. 

Co-Curricular Opportunities:  

We offer a range of co-curricular opportunities in Art to enhance our students' learning experience. In collaboration with the English department, students have the chance to create artwork for a poetry anthology, inspired by a specific theme. We also provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively with visiting artists, allowing them to gain insights and develop their creative skills. Furthermore, our advanced students can create artwork for designated areas within the school. Prior to creating their work, there is a discussion to determine the type of art needed for the space, considering factors such as subject matter and size. This collaborative process helps students tailor their designs to suit the specific environment. By contributing to the school's aesthetic, students

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