Art and Design

Key Stage 3 Art and Design at Knole Academy focuses on giving our students a clear understanding of the formal elements. During year 7 and year 8, students are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of materials through our diverse skills-based projects.

We explore the work of different artists and designers, as well as a range of cultures. Students use sketchbooks as a way to document and develop ideas, as well as to experiment with techniques and materials. This enables all students to build the skills they need to produce creative, personal outcomes.

Year 7:

• Project 1 – Still Life: Line, shape, form, colour theory, contextual studies.
• Project 2 – Natural forms/landscapes: Observational drawing, painting, mixed media.
• Project 3 – Portraits: proportion, realism, expressionism.
• Graphics and textiles are part of our design technology rotations.
• Graphics – Logo design, book illustrations, SCAMPER.
• Textiles – Monsters, puppets, bookmarks.

Year 8:

• Project 1 – Automotive Art: Drawing, painting, colour theory, pattern.
• Project 2 – Portraits: Observational drawing, painting, contextual studies.
• Project 3 – Food: Observational drawing, painting, model making.
• Graphics and textiles are part of our design technology rotations.
• Graphics – Sportswear branding, book cover design, Typography.
• Textiles – Print and pattern, Fashion illustration.

Year 9:

We offer four art-based options in year 9:

• Art
• Graphics
• Photography
• Textiles.

For all four disciplines, year 9 builds on the knowledge from previous projects and hones our students’ practical skills. We run workshops, exploring a range of materials, techniques and processes to develop their confidence and proficiency in various areas. The projects undertaken in year 9 also enhance their awareness of art and design in the world around them by delving deeper into contextual studies and exploring the relevance of Art and Design in society.

Art, Graphics, Photography and Textiles all run two projects across the academic year, each focusing on a different aspect of the subject to give students a well-rounded view of it and prepare them for GCSE.

How are the courses organised?

We offer four Art-based options for Key Stage 4:

• Fine Art
• Graphic Communication
• Photography
• Textile Design.

In each of these options, we develop students’ critical and contextual understanding and encourage them to explore the work of different artists and designers and develop their own practice.

The GCSE is comprised of two components that are completed over the course of three years.

Component 1: Portfolio

For this component, students explore the different elements of art, recording observations and imaginatively developing ideas. They are expected to experiment with various media, techniques, and processes and use these to refine their ideas and create a personal and meaningful outcome.

The portfolio must include both:

1. A sustained project.

2. A selection of further work.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

This component takes place during the spring term in year 11.

The exam board provides a separate externally set assignment for each title, each with seven different starting points. Students must select and respond to one starting point and then develop their work in the same way as the portfolio. The students will reference the work of other artists and demonstrate their ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and understanding.

Their work must include evidence of drawing activity and written annotation.

After the preparatory period, students take a 10-hour exam in which a final outcome for this component is produced.