Art at The Heights, Blackburn, aims to stretch and challenge pupil’s creativity. Providing them with a supportive environment that allows them to be creative and express themselves positively and achieve their full potential. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more in depth understanding of art and the world around them. At The Heights, Blackburn we will provide pupils with opportunities to learn and develop skills in a range of media, materials, techniques and processes, with purpose and intent. Work independently, and in teams, and share art experiences, through trips to galleries and exhibitions. As well as academic learning, the art curriculum promotes the wellbeing and resilience of pupils.
KS3 year 7&8
Throughout the Key Stage 3 Nurture provision, the art curriculum is planned in 6 half termly blocks. Pupils will have the opportunity to learn and develop competency in a range of practical arts such as drawing, clay modelling and sewing. They will develop skills in research, investigation and experimentation in both visual and written formats. The KS3 Nurture curriculum nurtures and encourages creativity, curiosity, initiative, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration.
KS3 year 9
Year 9 pupils will have the opportunity to continue to learn and develop competency in a range of practical arts such as sculpting, painting and printing. They will develop skills in research, investigation and experimentation in both visual and written formats. We want our pupils to be able to fully engage with the world of the Arts and we actively encourage creativity and individuality from all pupils to make more personal decisions about the content of their work and to develop not only their ‘skills’, but also their level of personal response to the topics. The year 9 curriculum aims to prepare pupils for the KS4 curriculum, should they choose art as one of their options.
KS4
At KS4, pupils will further develop skills in a range of practical arts such as drawing, painting, printing They will also further develop their skills in research, investigation and experimentation and be able to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary art and design practices. Through a programme of projects, pupils will be able to develop their skills and knowledge to create a portfolio.
Work from across all Key Stages is proudly exhibited in the classroom and around the school to celebrate success and demonstrate the exciting and skilful work created. Year 11 pupils will exhibit their final pieces and examination portfolio at an end of year exhibition, which will also include work from other key stages. Pupils are entered for a GCSE in Art at the end of year 11.
