Intent

KS3

The art curriculum at PMGHS has been designed to allow pupils to develop their abilities to think creatively, to engage, inspire and challenge, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art.

We encourage conversation, discussion, critique, and debate about pupils’ own work and about the work of artists and designers. This embeds and extends our students’ knowledge of artistic concepts and principles along with the appropriate language for discussing works of art.

To ensure that we build cultural awareness, we explore the work of artists and designers from a vast spectrum of backgrounds and beliefs. We build the Cultural Capital of our students by providing pupils with a means to engage with and understand the world around them and their relationship with it.

KS4

At key stage 4 the content of the course enables  pupils  to explore various  disciplines within art and design Pupils are given an opportunity to take ownership and be creative in  developing their ideas and increase proficiency in their development. We encourage them to develop a critical understanding of artists, architects, and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform their own work. This process is vital for our pupils as it has the potential for them to use these skillsets   to flourish in the world of work.

Implementation

KS3

The aim of the department is to create an environment in which pupils are happy to take risks, ask themselves questions about their creative journey and respond positively to both staff and peers. Pupils are challenged from the offset with problem solving skills through experimenting, making mistakes, evaluating, and making plans for future success.

The curriculum provides contexts that are relevant and enhance their experience of the subject as well as deepen their understanding and ability to apply key concepts and ideas to a variety of everyday situations. The curriculum enables pupils to continuously revisit skills and build upon them each year, tackling increasingly challenging concepts. Opportunities to experiment and try a variety of disciplines and materials, are given to the pupils to allow them to find their strength and talent within the field of art.

We believe it is important to adapt learning strategies and create an opportunity to  update content within the  department so it reflects the everchanging world of Art and Design, Resources are tailored to  promote progression for all individuals based on their starting point.

Pupils  progress is documented through  sketchbooks which they work in throughout KS3, this enable students to visualise and understand the progress they are making.

Opportunities are provided to improve literacy and the quality of annotation, with students being able to read each other’s comments.

 Assessment at KS3 is based around the KS4 Assessment Objectives, particularly for Year 9 and  SOW are designed to meet these criteria.

KS4

Whilst a structure is followed that incorporates the Assessment Objectives of AQA, projects are set to allow for fluidity and change to reflect the journey of the pupil and the path that they have chosen to follow. Pupils are encouraged to explore a combination of areas which allow for them to demonstrate fine art techniques and processes. Experimenting with a range of media enables pupils to produce work appropriate to their intention.

Pupils will explore and make connections to social developments in personal ways. The journey gives pupils a voice to express their thoughts on, feelings about and responses to the world around them.

Impact

KS3

At KS3 It is necessary for their Art education to start from the beginning due to their varying previous experiences.

The majority of students show steady sustained improvement from Year 7 to Year 9 and   progress  is evident in their sketchbooks over this period of time as we  would expect.

Pupils are able to demonstrate development of skills trough practical activities as well as be able to articulate verbally what they have learnt.

Pupils can work as independent learners and become risk takers who are able to evaluate and reflect on their own work and that of others.

KS4

The structures and support that are in place in the art Department have enabled pupils to achieve quality and well-conceived outcomes. This has resulted in all pupils achieving100% 9-5. since 2015.

 Our   aim to provide a stimulating, broad based curriculum has been extremely successful in gearing pupils towards becoming confident and aspiring artists. In providing a wide range of experiences, we aim to open art to all our students, catering for all interests, and abilities. In a world where employers are looking to recruit those with a range of skills, art is a great strength and allows pupils to access a range of future careers that embody the disciplines that they have acquired.