Key Stage 3 Art

Topics/Skills Taught

Baseline Assessment Unit. A two-part baseline assessment to gain knowledge of the student’s ability to draw from direct observation, use subject specific terminology, and develop two creative designs using inspiration from a shoe designer.
Lino-printing and Australian Aboriginal Art Unit. Students explore Australian Aboriginal Art including symbolism, x-ray art and dot painting and through this investigation gain greater understanding and appreciation of their culture. With this knowledge, students produce their own x-ray inspired image and develop this as a lino-print, exploring relief printing and safe use of gouging tools.
Art Movements Unit. Students gain an understanding of key Art Movements within Art history and investigate one Art Movement focusing specifically on techniques and use of the elements of design. They apply this understanding through the creative manipulation of an animal (inspired by the work of the illustrator Emma Dodson).
Texture and Boyle Family Unit. Through exploring the elements of line and texture, students link their work to the school environment and the work of the Boyle Family (collaborative artists). Individually, they investigate local texture and later work collaboratively to produce a large-scale relief sculpture.

Cubist Fragmentation Unit. Students explore and apply Cubist fragmentation and distortion techniques to their own linear observational study of a pencil case. Students are encouraged to actively take risks and explore ideas as they creatively distort their pencil case in a Cubist style. The task is presented in stages, but outcomes remain open ended to enable them to problem solve creatively.
Packaging Unit. Students gain understanding of logos and inference, advertising, branding and commercial image. Students investigate the Pop Art movement and links with consumerism and popular culture. Students investigate and manipulate a range of media, engage with linear perspective and how to manipulate the pictorial space.
African Mask Unit. Students research into the function of African masks and exploring how facial features and other characteristics have been manipulated. Students are encouraged to develop their own designs that creatively merge features and function. Students will be working in pairs constructing a 3 Dimensional mask using a range of building techniques, and using mod-roc (plaster bandage) and card.

Ed Hardy Unit. Students use their observational drawing of skulls as a starting point to looking at designer and tattooist Ed Hardy and his use of symbolism and designing techniques. Through the use of Photoshop and conventional designing techniques, students explore metaphor and composition, culminating in a large A3 outcome using watercolour and ink.
Portraiture and ‘The Arrival’ Unit. Students develop understanding of facial features and facial proportions. Through Shaun Tan’s ‘The Arrival’, students develop their knowledge and skills in portraiture drawing whilst gaining an understanding of immigration and culture. Students are also introduced to architectural principles and cultural structures through a collaborative sculpture.