Art

St. Bede’s is an art school. Year 7 Art students receive one hour of Art each week. The focus is on understanding the formal elements of tone, line, texture, form, colour, shape, and pattern which underpin the pupil’s journey throughout art at St. Bede’s. All topics begin with observational work from primary or secondary sources. Over the year, students explore mixed media techniques and create both illustrative and three-dimensional outcomes. Artists studied include Hannah Davies, L.S. Lowry, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and Patrick Caulfield. Art education at this level promotes creative problem-solving and connects students with their own culture and the wider world, as seen in their portfolios. Practical elements are supported by strong literacy development to prepare students for Key Stage 4.

Term 1: Exploring the Formal Elements

Understanding the Formal Elements; line, shape, space, form, value, texture, pattern, and colour.

Colour theory

Intricate patterns and colour application

Zentangles and Sgraffito designs

Understanding depth and composition

Accurate use of pencil tones

Experimentation with collage

Use of watercolour and fineliner combinations

Animal skin textures

Use of various media: watercolour, coloured pencils, pencil tones

Fine liner mark-making for detail

Term 2: Perspective

• Understanding the rules of perspective drawing
• One-point and two-point perspective (comic book covers)
• Pastel blending techniques
• Composition, colour, and shape in landscapes
• Creating work in contrasting styles inspired by L.S. Lowry and Friedensreich Hundertwasser

Term 3: Man Made

• Drawing, photographing, and painting plastic still-life arrangements
• Studying the work of Patrick Caulfield
• Analyzing Pop Art techniques
• Painting inspired by Caulfield’s bold style

Additional Opportunities:

• Art Club encourages exploration beyond the curriculum with a focus on future careers
• Selected students can work toward an Arts Award through extracurricular involvement
• Follow @StbedesArt on Instagram for inspiration and updates
• Creative Arts Night in the summer showcases student work through an art exhibition

Year 8 students continue with one hour of Art per week, further developing their understanding of the formal elements. Students move from observational work into graphic design, fine art, mixed media, and illustration. Artists studied include Julian Opie, Agnes Cecile, Yellena James, and Henri Matisse. Later, students create collaborative 3D clay sculptures as part of a banquet installation. Literacy development continues to support students in preparation for KS4.

Term 1: Portraiture and Identity

• Exploring self-image and identity
• Learning facial proportions and shading
• Using the grid method for enlarging images
• Typography and Photoshop techniques
• Expanding on Year 7 colour theory and blending

Term 2: Under the Sea

• Positive and negative space
• Collage and mixed media experimentation
• Drawing techniques for sea life
• Printing methods including monoprinting
• High-quality presentation of final pieces

Term 3: Bede’s Banquet

• Mark making with food and packaging themes
• Introduction to clay sculpting and molding
• Researching artists and working in 3D
• Painting and finishing ceramic food items
• Collaborative banquet installation

Additional Opportunities:

• Arts Award through extracurricular projects
• Instagram: @StbedesArt for competitions and inspiration
• Creative Arts Night: a chance to exhibit work to the community

Year 9 students continue with one hour of Art weekly, now exploring themes based on past GCSE questions. Media explored includes fine art, textiles, photography, and digital work. Artists include Jean Michel Basquiat, Henry Moore, Ingrid Dijkers, CJ Hendry, Hattie Stewart and Michael Craig-Martin. Students begin building a skeleton portfolio in preparation for GCSE. Term 2 introduces branding and identity in art and design, linking to careers in the creative industries. All work is supported by continued literacy development. The fundamentals of are are still ever present as pupils continue their art journey.

Term 1: Monster

Understanding physical and metaphorical ‘Monsters’ through the work of Jean Michel Basquiat and Henry Moore

Capturuing and expressing moods and emotions through mark making

Graphic andd haracter design – cross curriculum with Drama and Music – ‘The Littlle Shop of Horrors’

Tonal studies, mark making, and stitch techniques

3D model making and clay

Storybook design influenced by Ingrid Dijkers

Printing methods: mono and acetone

Term 2: The Big Draw / Art in Society

Still-life drawing and observation

Advanced mark making and mixed media

Exploring colour as communication

Preparing for GCSE-style tasks and structure

Term 3: Branding and identity in art and design

Graphics , colours, brands and logos in popular culture

Street and skate art

Digital editing and Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator basics

Magazine art – doddle bom art by Hattie Stewart

Anthropomorphism design

Introduction to DSLR photography

Digital editing and Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator basics

Creating a personal photo magazine or book

Additional Opportunities:

• Arts Award participation
• Photography Club for DSLR and commercial photography
• Instagram: @StbedesArt
• Creative Arts Night exhibition

Terms 1–2: Teacher-Led Project – Mark Making

Students begin GCSE Art and Design with an introduction to the assessment objectives:

• AO1: Develop ideas through research and investigation
• AO2: Refine work using various media and techniques
• AO3: Record observations and insights
• AO4: Present personal and meaningful responses

Students explore:

• Drawing, printmaking, stitch, photography, and digital art
• Artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Jiri Kolar
• Sketchbook development and effective annotation
• Importance of drawing and media experimentation

Terms 2–3: Independent Extended Project (Sketchbook 2)

Students select a theme from a list and develop it independently.

• Research relevant artists
• Use and evaluate appropriate materials and processes
• Continue refining drawing and annotation
• Create a personal, meaningful final outcome

Term 1: Extended Project Completion

• Finalising Component 1 coursework by Christmas
• Students continue refining AO1–AO4 criteria

Terms 2–3: External Exam

• Component 2 begins in January with an externally set theme
• Final 10-hour exam held in Term 3
• Completion of both coursework and exam portfolios

Additional Opportunities:

• Optional workshops in: sewing machines, clay, screen printing, lino cutting, sculpture
• Access to professionals and industry links
• Workshops from visiting artists and designers