Topics/Units of work in S1 & S2
- The Visual Elements – e.g. line, tone, colour, shape, pattern & texture, etc.
- 3D work
- Design project.
- Discussion of paintings & applied arts, artists & designers.
- Observational drawing and painting skills.
- Craftwork and Problem Solving
- Unsupported Self Study work in sketchbooks is set regularly, with supportive comments and feedback provided.
When do we learn about this?
Due to timetable constraints, all major curricular areas are covered by all classes in a planned two-year rotation.
Through Recording and Monitoring, staff make every effort to ensure that all pupils gain experience in all areas of the course, over the two years.
What do we learn about?
Pupils are made aware that our subject encompasses all facets of their lives. It is about their clothes, their home, their environment, the films and videos they watch, the computers they use, and the books, magazines, posters and advertising they are bombarded with every day.
Pupils are made aware of the influence of artists and designers on our society, and how their work can enrich their lives.
By their visual and aesthetic education, pupils will be able to make sense of the array of visual stimuli that surrounds them and learn to assimilate this modern world with confidence. This confidence will help them to dress with style, furnish and decorate a home, improve and appreciate the environment in which they live, and become more discerning.
Supporting learning at home
Basic observational drawing skills in art & design will be very useful in many aspects of your child’s future life – this is why we provide sketchbooks and set regular observational drawing tasks to all students. The best ways to provide support at home is to encourage their Unsupported Self Study work in the sketchbook and to read over the feedback provided by staff. If you can provide some basic drawing and/ or painting materials to enable your son/ daughter to work in the sketchbook with as many different media as possible, this would also be helpful in building their skills and confidence in Art & Design.
Online Resources
AHS Documents, including:
- Expressive and Design Benchmarks
- Design Issues
- Sketchbook Homework Tasks/Examples
- Sketchbook Marking Checklist
- Visual Elements Notes
