Cherry Class

Cherry Class have been exploring the colours and textures of Autumn in their art lessons. Students created beautiful transparent leaves using tissue paper and made a collection of hedgehogs, experimenting with different tools to paint with. The class is beginning to settle confidently into the routines of the art room and is following step-by-step instructions with growing independence.

Apple Class

To complement their Antarctic classroom theme, Apple Class have created vibrant snow scenes. Students overlapped layers of coloured tissue paper using PVA glue, taking care to work gently so their artwork remained intact. They also practised their scissor skills by cutting a variety of triangles, which they arranged on a black background decorated with snowy splatters made using toothbrushes.

 

Willow, Pine, and Oak Classes

These classes have also been inspired by Autumn. Students learnt how to mix their own teal paint rather than using colours straight from the bottle. They then used forks to create textured grass marks and explored sponges and stencils to produce leaf shapes in contrasting autumnal tones. This project encouraged pupils to experiment with different painting tools and realise that not all painting needs to be done with a brush.

Elm Class

Elm Class have been studying the theme of Still Life. This project introduces a variety of artistic techniques while strengthening pupils’ observational skills. They began by boldly painting with inks of varying intensity, then created still-life drawings using felt tip pens they couldn’t erase.  This encourages confidence and commitment to their mark-making. Their final piece will be a still-life collage made from  decorated and textured papers they have designed themselves.

   

Beech Class

Beech Class have been using flowers as inspiration to develop their drawing skills. Through a series of guided, step-by-step techniques, pupils are learning how to make thoughtful artistic decisions while they draw. This process has also helped them slow down, focus on observation and add more intricate details to their work.

Mars Class

Mars Class have begun an exciting fish project. They have explored a range of materials to recreate fish, learning how to draw from observation, paint effectively and understand the use of warm and cool colours.

Mercury Class

Mercury Class have produced stunning tonal drawings of insects this term. Pupils have responded to feedback and refined their work based on success criteria. They are now developing these drawings into polyblock prints, showing both creativity and technical skill.

   

Saturn and Neptune Classes

Saturn and Neptune Classes have started the imaginative Fantasy Shoe Project. This task allows pupils to really use their creativity. Although some found it challenging at first, they have shown great resilience and are now producing imaginative and original shoe designs.

Earth Class

This term, cakes are on the menu for Earth Class! Pupils began by creating a range of cake-themed drawings, followed by mono prints and designs for a single slice of cake. After constructing a maquette, they are now bringing their ideas to life by making 3D cake models using Mod Roc (see main picture). The project has involved a lot of creative decision-making and pupils have made some fantastic choices along the way.

NCFE Art and Design

The NCFE Art and Design group have started their first project based on the theme of Natural Forms. Pupils have been introduced to effective sketchbook presentation and the expectations of the unit. They began with detailed micro-studies of pot pourri using viewfinders, experimenting with a range of mark-making techniques and materials. The class is currently exploring the work of artist Yellena James and it has been wonderful to see each pupil developing a personal artistic style so early in the course.

Baseline Assessment

At the start of each academic year, Key Stage 3 draw a still life of fruit placed in front of them.  This is completed without any help.  Art is such a visual subject, so pupils easily make comparisons.  This activity really helps to show them the progress that they are making when drawing so they can appreciate their achievements.  The two photos shown are of one pupil’s drawings from a year apart.