Art and Design at Beckfoot Thornton

We engage, inspire and challenge students to be their most creative selves.

We aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. Critical thinking develops a more rigorous understanding of how Art shapes and reflects our history, lives and culture.

Art and Design provides students with a platform to express their views and ideas, and by sharing their work with their peers, they can raise awareness of important issues and encourage others to get involved.

Enrichment

The Art department arranges different trips and workshops for selected cohorts each year. These range from visiting artists running workshops, to gallery visits or photography walks.

Assessment

Internal assessments will take place throughout each year to monitor pupil progress and further inform teaching and learning.

KS4 Specification

Careers

The creative industries are an immense and varied field and we aim to deliver a foundation of skills to all who may follow a creative route in Sixth Form, college or university. We also help students to develop transferable skills including problem solving, creative thinking, independence, research, self reflection and looking at things from other perspectives.

Curriculum Overview

YearCycle 1Cycle 2Cycle 3
Year 7

Floral elements – Line, tone, colour, pattern, form, texture and selected artists

Application of formal elements in imaginary landscapes

Imaginary animals – drawing skills

Imaginary animals – experimental mixed media work and skills development

Year 8

Plastic oceans – Environmental awareness, drawing, research

Plastic oceans – Environmental awareness, design, clay work

Super-me – Portraiture

Super-me – portraiture

Year 9

Junk – Still life, drawing, skills, artist research, photography

Junk – Planning, 2D or 3D final pieces

Take it to the street – Social issues, artist research, personal theme, typography

Take it to the street – Social issues, artist research, personal theme, typography

Year 10

Identity – Human face and figure, culture and character, drawing, printing, painting, sculpting

Identity – Human face and figure, culture and character, drawing, printing, painting, sculpting

Inside outside – Independent choices within theme, artist research, all media

Inside outside – Independent choices within theme, artist research, all media

Year 11

Inside outside – Independent choices within theme, artist research, all media

Exam – externally set assignment

Exam – externally set assignment