Overview 

The Key Stage 3 Art curriculum introduces students to the fundamental knowledge, skills and techniques needed to become confident and creative artists. Students explore a wide range of materials, processes and artistic traditions while developing observational drawing, critical thinking and visual communication skills. 

Curriculum Intent 

The department aims to: 

• Develop creativity, curiosity and confidence 

• Build a strong foundation in drawing and visual literacy 

• Introduce the formal elements of art 

• Encourage experimentation 

• Develop analytical skills through artist studies 

• Promote appreciation of art from diverse cultures and time periods 

Key knowledge includes: 

• The formal elements of art: line, tone, shape, form, colour, texture, pattern and composition.  

• Drawing techniques and observational skills.  

• Colour theory and colour mixing.  

• Understanding the work of significant artists, designers, and craftspeople.  

• The creative process, from research and planning to development and refinement.  

• Safe and effective use of a range of artistic materials and equipment.  

• Visual language and subject-specific vocabulary. 

Key skills include: 

• Observational drawing and recording from first-hand sources.  

• Developing ideas through sketchbooks.  

• Painting, printing, collage and mixed media techniques.  

• 3D construction and modelling.  

• Analysing and evaluating artworks using appropriate terminology.  

• Experimenting materials and refining creative outcomes.  

• Presenting and communicating ideas confidently.  

Curriculum Implementation 

Teaching Approach 

• Practical workshops 

• Demonstrations 

• Sketchbook activities 

• Artist research and  

• Opportunities for reflection, evaluation and improvement 

Sequencing of Learning 

• Learning is sequenced from foundational skills in Year 7 to increasingly complex and independent projects in Years 8 and 9. 

Assessment: 

Students are assessed through a range of formative and summative methods, including: 

• Sketchbook development.  

• Practical outcomes and final pieces.  

• Teacher observation and verbal feedback.  

• Self-assessment and peer assessment.  

• Artist research and written evaluation.  

• End-of-unit assessment against curriculum objectives. 

Curriculum Impact 

Success is measured through:  

• Improvements in drawing.  

• Creative thinking.  

• Confident use of a range of media.  

• Critical understanding of artists and artwork.  

• Sketchbook development.  

• Readiness for GCSE Art and Design. 

Examples of impact: 

• Students produce increasingly confident and skilful artwork.  

• Students demonstrate resilience by refining and improving their work.  

• Students use subject-specific vocabulary accurately when discussing art.  

• Students make informed creative choices inspired by artists and cultures.  

• Students develop independence and originality in their creative responses.  

• Students leave Key Stage 3 with a strong foundation for further study in Art and Design. 

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 3

Year	Topics / Units	Key Knowledge & Skills
7	Formal Elements; Colour, Shape, Form, Line, Texture and Pattern; Structure and 3D Form	Introduction to formal elements of art, observational drawing, colour theory, mark making, texture, pattern, composition, shading, construction techniques and 3D modelling.
8	Figurative Art; Still Life; Portraiture	Figure drawing, proportion, observational skills, portrait construction, facial features, tonal rendering, composition, artist research and creative responses.
9	Still Life; Landscapes; Cultures	Advanced observational drawing, perspective, landscape composition, colour mixing, cultural studies, experimentation with media, critical analysis and independent idea development.

Useful websites: 

• The National Gallery – https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk  

• Tate – https://www.tate.org.uk  

• The Royal Academy of Arts – https://www.royalacademy.org.uk  

• The Victoria and Albert Museum – https://www.vam.ac.uk  

• BBC Bitesize Art and Design – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize  

• Google Arts & Culture – https://artsandculture.google.com 

Enrichment 

• Art club,  

• Competitions 

• Artist workshops 

• Gallery visits 

• Community art projects 

• Exhibitions  

• Cross-curricular creative opportunities