The rationale for this unit is that it is a starting point for all Year 7 pupils to ensure a common base of knowledge throughout KS3. Creating texture through mark making is fundamental to the years’ development and all subsequent work. It is an important building block for creating their own work and when studying the work of tother artists and designers. Pupils study the work of Van Gogh and his use of mark making in his landscape drawings. This unit gives pupils the opportunity to experiment by creating textures, to utilise experiments and look at the world around them. Pupils will make a personal response by using their own photograph to recreate in mark making.

Year 6 students will study Medieval art to support their work in History. They will learn how to sew simple stitches like those used in the Bayeaux tapestry, how to decorate an illuminated letter, and to draw a gargoyle and do their own version of the Bayeaux tapestry. They can also learn how to create their own heraldic shield. Each activity has scope for differentiation. Use the powerpoint slides but feel free to add your own tweaks.

Year 5 Students will study the elements of art through looking at the planets. This is the first lesson of an introduction to the basic elements of art and as such is an important foundation for pupils to understand basic materials and techniques used in art. They will learn how to use zentangles and line in this lesson. There is differentiation in each task.

In this unit Year 8 students explore familiar objects from different viewpoints as the starting point for their work. They develop ideas by selecting and abstracting qualities of objects to use as the basis for a painting. They learn about the ideas and approaches of the Cubist painters and their influences and make connections with other artists who worked from still life. Differentiation is built in. Use the powerpoint and change it as you see fit.

TEACHERS - please read this and use it as an assembly or adapt it if you want but it is your moral obligation to educate your pupils. We must all start doing something NOW and not be complacent. Look at your schools generation of power and make sure that you spend the budget you have on making it green AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Educate with as much information on as many aspects as you can. Lead by example.