Key Stage 3 Art Curriculum Intent

In their Art and Design studies at Meopham pupils will develop the knowledge to enable them to develop creative curiosity and aesthetic appreciation. Our core purpose at Key Stage 3 is to deliver an engaging and challenging curriculum through outstanding teaching and learning. The sequencing of the curriculum enables pupils to build on their knowledge and skills towards agreed end points. Pupils are encouraged to explore a diverse range of artists, materials and techniques whilst expanding and refining their understanding of artistic disciplines and expressing reasoned judgements that can inform their own work. Pupils are encouraged to come up with original ideas and designs that are meaningful to them, responding to relevant themes and topics. Our focus is to deepen personal response, encourage experimental approaches and emotive outcomes, and build confident artists. 

Resilience and reflective working are at the heart of Art and Design studies, students are actively encouraged to learn through making mistakes and finding creative solutions. The curriculum is designed to challenge thinking and support cross curricular learning in an art context as well as with careers and the wider world. All pupils who study Art and Design develop the knowledge and expertise of project based learning, workload management and creative thinking that are key transferable skills for any future learning or career. 

Pupils have the chance to learn about spirituality, moral choices, social effects and culture through projects. Pupils explore who they really are and what interests them, giving them a platform to communicate and be heard.

The aim of our curriculum is to support pupils in the vulnerability which comes with creativity. It allows pupils to make independent decisions when they feel ready. Pupils are encouraged to be resilient by exposing their creations, giving and accepting feedback graciously. We use ‘action feedback’ which provides pupils with the support and time to refine and revisit work, building their critical thinking skills and encouraging pupils to take pride in their work. Pupils have opportunities to work in groups becoming  skilled at ‘group thinking’. Oracy is firmly embedded through discussion and presentation. Pupils develop the ability to effectively and authentically communicate opinions and emotions, an appreciation of diversity and a grasp of the beauty found in the journey of a task and not just the outcome.  Pupils gain a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject in Key Stage 3 which leads them on to further exploration at Key Stage 4 or through enrichment. 

Pupils build on their previous Key Stage 2 knowledge and skills enhancing their cultural capital through a range of different experiences.

In Art and Design pupils are taught:

• to use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media as a basis for exploring their ideas

• to use a range of techniques and media, including painting

• to increase their proficiency in the handling of different materials

• to analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work

• about the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day.

Art education is about learning how to interpret the world around us using visual language to communicate. We aim to provide a well-balanced and inclusive curriculum that all students can access and enjoy.

Key Stage 3 - Art Overview