The Team

Introduction to the Department

The Art Department at St Peter’s is a warm and welcoming environment, where all students are treated as individuals and given the opportunity to excel in their own right. Celebration of achievement is encouraged and Schemes of Work are designed to engage all ability levels.

Key Stage 3 Information

The mastery curriculum has been developed to allow all students the opportunity to develop their understanding of other artists by critically analysing their work. Students are exposed to a wide range of media and materials which encourages them to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Year 7

In Year 7. we introduce students to the formal elements. These are the building blocks for any artwork. Students are encouraged to use the formal elements to describe artwork and become familiar with the language and its application to practical work. Throughout Year 7, students are given the opportunity to learn about drawing, paint, print and 3D. 

Year 8

In Year 8, we focus on portraiture. Re-capping the formal elements and using these to analyse artwork. All students work through a 3D project, using clay which focusses on the Green Man. Other cultures and artefacts are used for inspiration. Before embarking on a mixed media outcome influenced by contemporary artists, students are taught how to look at themselves and record portraiture using a variety of different media and techniques.

Year 9

In Year 9, students are exposed to three projects (Food and Drink, Architecture and Photography).

Building on knowledge and confidence from Years 7 and 8, students explore materials and techniques learning how to combine these to create work in response to the projects. Analysis and the ability to talk about artwork is crucial, as is an understanding to present work creatively.

Key Stage 4 Information

In Years 10 and 11, we follow the Eduqas exam board specification. Students are given the opportunity to produce two units of work (Coursework 60% of the grade and the Externally Set Task (40% of the grade). Both units are internally assessed and externally moderated.

Throughout their journey, students are exposed to a wide range of working methods. They are encouraged to use materials in creative ways, make mistakes and learn from these as they develop ideas. Annotation and analysis are crucial to communicating ideas whilst critically evaluating and reflecting upon the processes taken. Students are encouraged to work independently and allow their work to become a personal journey that leads towards a suitable outcome.