Key Stage 3

Our curriculum is designed in a spiral format which promotes mastery throughout the learning journey. In Key Stage 3 students will be introduced to primary skills and formal elements needed for producing a variety of artwork. These form a foundation for further, more in-depth studies at Key Stage 4.  

At Key stage 3, we introduce students to a wide variety of creative opportunities through a different theme each term. In each new topic, students build upon previous knowledge alongside learning new skills and techniques. This helps to prepare our students to assess their own strengths ready to make informed choices for GCSE study. 

Students will have the opportunity to learn about many different art movements as well as explore a wide range of art materials. Our current projects include Pop Art, Mexican Day of the Dead and Mental Health awareness and many more. Topics are subject to change on a yearly basis to ensure we have the right inspiration for Brighton Hill students.   

Home learning is carefully planned within the curriculum to provide students with an opportunity to practice, embed and apply the knowledge that they have been taught in lessons 

Key Stage 4

We offer AQA GCSE Fine Art from Year 9. Key Stage 4 lessons are delivered over one double and one single lesson per week. 

When students select Fine Art at Key Stage 4, they will build on the skills and techniques learnt at Key Stage 3 and develop mastery in their chosen area of specialism.  

In Year 9, students will complete a foundation year where they will revisit skills learnt in Year 7 and 8 and build upon these. New, more challenging materials will be introduced so by the end of their first term the students will have a bank of resources and skills they are confident in using.  Students are then introduced to the GCSE portfolio and they embark on their first project, which is guided by the teacher to ensure understanding is fully embedded.  

In Years 10 and 11, students work on their portfolio through teacher-led workshops and independent exploration of themes. Students are encouraged to take risks and be more independent with their selections of materials and subject matter. They are guided to create outcomes that show off their strengths which also means our art studios are buzzing with creativity and variety from every student.   

At Key stage 4, home learning is important as it forms a continuation of their classwork developing a strong portfolio.  

Year 10 and 11 students are encouraged to attend weekly ‘open studio’ sessions whereby students can spend more time on their GCSE fine art projects. This time allows students to utilise the art studio and have access to a wide variety of art materials and support outside of their normal art lessons.  

Enrichment Opportunities

Students are offered several extra-curricular opportunities in order to further their arts experience, which includes: KS3 art club, KS4 open studios, Inktober, Art Ambassadors as well as participation in the Set and Costume aspects of school productions.  

Assessment

Key stage 3  

Assessments take place every half term and focus on the level of understanding of the art movement being covered, development of ideas and the execution of skills and techniques. Students also receive detailed one-to-one verbal feedback as the projects are developing in order to strengthen their skills as they are working to ensure the best outcome.  

Key stage 4  

Assessments take place every half term and are focused around one of the 4 assessment objectives. All students will now be marked on their use of written responses to explain their ideas, developments and evaluations throughout each project. 

Students will complete extended projects and workshops which will form their portfolio, this will account for 60% of the overall GCSE grade. 

The exam portfolio and final exam outcome accounts for 40% of the overall GCSE grade.