KS3 & KS4 art and design curriculum

This is pupils' final independent sustained unit. They have already completed two units where they identified their strengths and areas for development in independent work. The focus here is on experimenting with materials, processes, and idea development. In preparation for post-16 courses, pupils should exhaust possibilities and make imaginative leaps, using various sources, experiencing live work, and responding to artists who connect thematically or technically. This unit encourages them to push boundaries and deepen their understanding of artistic practice.

1. Reviewing own practice, looking at previous processes, setting a target
2. Initial ideas: visual thinking around the theme
3. Generating ideas through personal reflections, narratives and objects
4. Generating ideas through manipulating first hand source material
5. Drawing for purpose
6. Effective annotation: writing to enhance visual storytelling
7. Analysing the work of several artists using the principles and elements
8. Analysing the work of artists and designers with materials and techniques
9. Develop ideas: combining differents styles and processes
10. Review developed ideas with trials and experiments
11. Personal response: Select a first hand source and create a response
12. Personal response: Present the response in a crit
13. Personal response: reflect and refine using the critique as a guide
14. Working on several pieces- why do artists move between works
15. Creating a cohesive narrative: structuring content for clarity
16. Curating artwork: selecting and arranging key pieces
17. Self-assessment techniques: evaluating your own work
18. Presentation