Year 7 is where students begin their creative journey in Fine Art. Through a broad range of exciting projects,

students develop their confidence, creativity and understanding of the visual arts.

Students explore colour, pattern, shape, texture and form, taking inspiration from artists including Wassily Kandinsky, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, David Hockney and Phlegm. They experiment with different materials and techniques, including drawing, painting and 3D work. The emphasis is on developing skills, taking creative risks and discovering how artists communicate ideas

through their work.

YEAR 8 – DEVELOPING CREATIVE SKILLS

In Year 8, students build on the foundations established in Year 7 and begin to develop greater independence and confidence in their artwork.

Students explore artists such as Ian Murphy, Damien Hirst and Egin Inan, experimenting with layering, texture, depth, colour and printmaking. They create 3D relief work using cardboard and investigate how shapes and

textures can be combined to create interesting surfaces.

Students also develop their observational drawing skills, focusing on proportion, detail and facial features, while continuing to experiment with a range of materials and processes.

YEAR 9 – INDEPENDENT CREATIVE PROJECTS

Year 9 marks an exciting transition towards greater independence and choice in Fine Art. Students select from a range of creative starting points and develop their own individual projects. They explore ideas through discussion, research, experimentation and practical work, learning how to develop an idea from an

initial starting point through to a finished piece.

Students also explore graffiti art, designing their own tags and developing them into 3D forms. They investigate artists including Diana Beltran Herrera, Claude Monet, David Hockney and Vincent van Gogh, exploring how artists

use colour, form, texture and mixed media to communicate ideas.

YEAR 10 – BUILDING AN ARTISTIC IDENTITY

In Year 10, students begin to develop their personal artistic style and work with increasing independence. Students explore human anatomy and observational drawing, working from skeletal and muscular structures of body. They investigate the expressive approach of Paul Cézanne, developing ideas through printmaking,

painting and mixed media. Students are encouraged to experiment, refine their techniques and make increasingly thoughtful creative decisions, establishing their own artistic direction while developing the skills and understanding needed for GCSE Fine Art coursework.

YEAR 11 – INDEPENDENT FINE ART PRACTICE

Year 11 is focused on developing students as independent artists and preparing them for their GCSE Fine Art examination project.

Students select from a choice of project themes and develop a sustained body of work from their own starting point. They research artists and ideas, experiment with materials and techniques, refine their compositions and respond to

feedback through regular teacher critiques. This is an opportunity for students to take ownership of their creative journey, bringing together the skills,

knowledge and experiences developed throughout Years 7–10. The emphasis is on independent creative thinking, experimentation, refinement and producing a personal final outcome in their 10 hour Fine art exam.

FINE ART AT KS3 & KS4

Across Years 7–11, students are encouraged to experiment, take creative risks and develop their own artistic

voice. Through practical work, critical reflection and exploration of a diverse range of artists and techniques,

students develop the confidence and independence to create ambitious and meaningful artwork.

KS3: 1 Fine Art lesson per week KS4: 3 Fine Art lessons per week