Why do we learn art?
Art is the freedom of expression, innovation and creativity. Our rapidly changing world thrives on its history, culture, identity and diversity in the form of visual literacy. Studying Art provides future creatives, leaders and designers with introductory skills to success in many creative fields such as: Architecture, Graphic design, Interior design, Games design, Fashion design, Photography, Product design, Art therapy and many more.
Head of Department
Ms Nicole Clement-Finlayson
Our approach
At Ark Elvin, our curriculum is designed to inspire, encourage discovery, challenge and equip students with knowledge and a range of skills.
By design, our curriculum teaches from the top down to ensure students strive for greatness. Each year group builds up the next to ensure knowledge and skills are embedded in preparation for GCSE & beyond.
At Key stage 3 students are taught foundational skills focusing primarily on the formal elements of line, tone, shape, texture, pattern & colour, all explored through a range of projects. Emphasis is placed on technique, idea development, process and visual refinement. From the very beginning the curriculum encourages critical thinking and an understanding of what it is like to be inspired by the visual work of artists, designers and craftspeople from all backgrounds.
At Key Stage 4 our curriculum is built to encourage independent enquiry through theme based personal investigations. We follow the AQA Art & Design specification which encourages growth and confidence in a range of media & materials and drives an understanding of the journey of a project from its initial start to realised intentions.
Cross curricular links with subjects such as Maths, English, History and Science help to ensure are students are well rounded and encourage the application of knowledge to further develop their problem-solving skills. Our students will also develop a rich Art & Design vocabulary to help support their progress throughout the subject.
Year 7
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Line & Tone Artist: Henri Matisse |
Tone & Shape Observational studies |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Shape & Form Focus on perspective & composition |
Colour Theory Artist: Michael Craig Martin |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
Artist Research Focus on Artists Copy |
Review of formal elements, methods & processes |
Year 8
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Texture Experimentation & exploration |
Print Making Material exploration |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Cubism Artist: George Barque Focus on media & materials |
Cubism Focus on artist response |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| 3 Part Artist Research | 3 Part Artist Research |
Year 9
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Theme: Products Focus on Observation |
Theme: Products Shape, tone & colour |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Theme: Products Artist: Stanley Donwood 3 Part Artist Research |
Theme: Products Artist Response to Stanley Donwood Print Making: Lino |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
Pop Art Artist: Roy Lichtenstein |
Pop Art Artist: Roy Lichtenstein Ceramics |
Year 10
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Component 1: Natural Forms | Component 1: Natural Forms |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Component 1: National Forms | Component 1: National Forms |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Component 1: Personalised Project | Component 1: Personalised Project |
Year 11
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Component 1: Personalised Project | Component 1: Personalised Project |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Externally Set Assignment | Externally Set Assignment |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Art exam preparation & Exam |