Secondary Art and Design and Photography Resources
A wide range of Secondary Art and Design resources for KS3 and KS4. From lesson plans to unique materials developed from years of experience in the delivery of KS3 Art and KS4 Art and Photography. I have refined project resources to ensure students develop the key skills required to refine their foundational skills in KS3 and to therefore flourish in IGCSE and A-Level courses.
A wide range of Secondary Art and Design resources for KS3 and KS4. From lesson plans to unique materials developed from years of experience in the delivery of KS3 Art and KS4 Art and Photography. I have refined project resources to ensure students develop the key skills required to refine their foundational skills in KS3 and to therefore flourish in IGCSE and A-Level courses.
Exploring Art at KS3
Suitable for any KS3 year group, this versatile art project has primarily been delivered to Year 8 students and serves as an excellent foundation for future endeavors at GCSE level.
Project Focus
Students will embark on a journey exploring the theme of ‘Cubism’ drawing inspiration from Picasso and Braque.
Skills Development
A project inspired by Cubism that incorporates collage, cardboard, and clay will help students to develop a range of artistic skills associated with both the Cubist movement and the use of mixed media. Here are some of the key skills a student might develop:
Understanding of Cubist Principles
Deconstruction of Form: Cubism involves breaking down objects into geometric shapes and reassembling them in abstract forms. Students would learn to deconstruct objects visually, understanding how to simplify and rearrange forms.
Collage Techniques
Layering and Composition: Collage in Cubism often involves layering different materials, such as paper or cardboard, to create depth and texture. Students would practice arranging these elements thoughtfully, focusing on balance, contrast, and harmony in their compositions.
Geometric Abstraction
Simplification of Forms: Cubism often involves reducing objects to geometric shapes. Students would practice abstracting and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes, learning to represent objects in a more stylized and fragmented manner.
Exploration of Cardboard as a Medium
Structural Skills: Working with cardboard requires students to think three-dimensionally. They would learn to cut, shape, and construct forms, developing an understanding of how to build structures and create relief in their artwork.
Clay Modeling
Three-Dimensional Thinking: Using clay allows students to explore form in a more tactile and hands-on way. They would develop skills in sculpting, shaping, and manipulating clay to create abstract or geometric forms that align with Cubist principles.
Conceptual Thinking
Abstract Representation: Cubism moves away from realistic depictions, encouraging abstract representation. Students would practice thinking conceptually about how to represent objects and ideas in non-traditional ways.
Innovative Use of Materials
Incorporating materials like collage, cardboard, and clay challenges students to think innovatively about how to use these materials to convey abstract concepts and ideas.
Project Duration
Approximately 12 to 15 weeks, equivalent to one term.
Exploring Art at KS3
Suitable for any KS3 year group, this versatile art project has primarily been delivered to Year 9 students and serves as an excellent foundation for future architectural-focused endeavors at GCSE level.
Project Focus
Students will embark on a journey exploring the theme of ‘Polluted Cities’ drawing inspiration from the renowned artist Paul Kenton.
Skills Development
During this project, students will hone their abilities in:
One-point perspective drawing and effective tonal use
Expressive line work
Artistic analysis techniques
Mixing media to create diverse layers
The art of mark-making
Preparation for GCSE Art through an understanding of the creative process
What’s Included
Access a comprehensive slideshow featuring clear examples that cater to various skill levels and activities for each lesson.
Project Duration
Approximately 12 to 15 weeks, equivalent to one term.
From the earliest camera obscura to today’s digital marvels, this visual presentation takes you on a clear journey through the evolution of this art form. Discover the pioneers, groundbreaking inventions, and iconic images that have shaped the world of photography. Perfect for providing photography students with a clear understanding of the evolution of photography. This slideshow can also be printed and presented as a large wall display
Exploring Art at KS3
Suitable for any KS3 year group, this versatile art project has primarily been delivered to Year 7 students and serves as an excellent foundation for future endeavors at GCSE level.
Project Focus
Students will embark on a journey exploring the theme of ‘Hybrid Creatures’ drawing inspiration from various examples of hybrid animals in popular culture.
Skills Development
During this project, students will hone their abilities in:
Conceptualization and Ideation
Imagination and Creativity: Designing hybrid creatures requires a high level of imagination. Students would practice combining different animal or human features to create entirely new beings, pushing the boundaries of their creative thinking.
Narrative and Symbolism
Hybrid creatures often carry symbolic meaning or tell a story. Students would develop the ability to infuse their designs with narrative elements, thinking conceptually about what their creatures represent.
Collage Techniques for Design
Visual Brainstorming: Collage serves as a powerful tool for ideation. Students would learn to use collage to experiment with different combinations of features, colors, and textures, which helps in visualizing their hybrid creatures.
Translating 2D Designs into 3D Forms
Spatial Thinking: One of the critical skills in this project is translating a two-dimensional collage design into a three-dimensional form. Students would develop their spatial awareness, learning how to interpret flat images as volumetric, sculptural forms.
Wire Armature Construction
Structural Design: Wire is used to create the armature or skeleton of the creature. Students would develop skills in building strong, stable frameworks that can support the paper pulp and maintain the desired form. Manipulation of Wire: Working with wire requires dexterity and control. Students would practice bending, twisting, and shaping wire to create the basic structure of their creatures, learning to work with this medium in a precise and controlled way.
Sculpting with Paper Pulp
Modeling and Shaping: Paper pulp can be molded and shaped to add volume and detail to the wire armature. Students would learn how to apply and manipulate the pulp to create textures, forms, and surface details that bring their creatures to life. Surface Texturing: Beyond basic sculpting, students would explore how to create various textures using paper pulp, whether it’s smooth surfaces, rough textures, or intricate patterns, enhancing the tactile quality of their models.
Access a comprehensive slideshow featuring clear examples that cater to various skill levels and activities for each lesson.
Project Duration
Approximately 12 to 15 weeks, equivalent to one term.
Transform your classroom with this all-in-one GCSE Photography Resources Pack, designed to support students in the development of their Foundation Skills as they start their learning journey.
This pack includes three detailed slideshows covering essential photography esposure techniques, composition, and visual elements as well as a detailed timeline outlining the histroy and evolution of Photography.
Unlock the depths of artistic understanding with this Artwork Analysis Worksheet. Sharpen your analytical skills and cultivate a more profound connection with artworks through the use of this simple but powerful tool to engage students in analysis and critical reflection.
Inspire Creativity with this KS3 Art Resources Pack!
Unlock your students’ artistic potential with a comprehensive KS3 Art Resources Pack. Designed to align with the curriculum, this pack is filled with engaging project ideas, and versatile slideshows that cover a wide range of artistic techniques and styles.
Perfect for busy teachers, this all-in-one resource simplifies planning and provides everything you need to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression in your classroom.
Unlock the secrets behind powerful images with this Photograph Deconstruction Worksheet. Perfect for students, photographers, and visual arts enthusiasts, this tool guides you through analyzing composition, lighting, subject matter, and emotional impact. Break down every element with ease, gaining deeper insight into how photos tell stories and evoke emotions. Ideal for classroom use or personal growth, this worksheet makes photo analysis accessible and engaging!
Exploring Art at KS3
Suitable for any KS3 year group, this versatile art project has primarily been delivered to Year 9 students and serves as an excellent foundation for future endeavors at GCSE level.
What’s Included
A comprehensive slideshow featuring clear examples and a step by step guide
Assemblage and Collage Techniques
Joseph Cornell is famous for his shadow boxes and collages that combine found objects, photographs, and ephemera. Students would learn how to assemble disparate materials into a cohesive artwork, understanding composition, balance, and visual storytelling. John Dilnot also uses collage techniques, often focusing on themes of nature and urban life. Students would practice layering images and objects to create complex, textured works.
Narrative Construction
Both artists often imbue their work with a strong sense of narrative or story. Students would develop the ability to tell stories visually, using objects and images to evoke specific emotions, ideas, or memories.
This involves thinking critically about symbolism and how different elements can work together to communicate a theme.
Composition and Spatial Awareness
Creating an assemblage within a confined space, such as a box, requires careful consideration of composition and spatial relationships. Students would develop an understanding of how to arrange objects in a way that is visually pleasing and narratively effective.
Attention to Detail
Both artists’ works are often intricate, requiring careful attention to detail. Students would learn to focus on the small elements of their work, ensuring that every piece contributes to the overall impact.
Mixed Media Proficiency
Working in the style of Cornell and Dilnot involves combining different media—photographs, objects, papers, and more. Students would gain experience in mixing media and experimenting with different textures and surfaces.
Conceptual Thinking
Both artists explore complex themes - Cornell often dealt with dreams, nostalgia, and memory, while Dilnot frequently examines environmental issues. Students would develop their conceptual thinking, learning how to translate abstract ideas into visual form.
Project Duration
Approximately 12 to 15 weeks, equivalent to one term.
This Venn Diagram helps to explain how the CIE GCSE Art Assessment Objectives connect to student project work. The real secret lies in where the assessment objectives overlap and therefore how students can gain marks in the higher bands of the assessment criteria - this worksheet helps to clarify how to do this and supports students in the development of their work.
This engaging resource introduces students to key concepts like line, shape, texture, color, and space, and how these elements work together to create captivating images. With clear explanations and examples, this slideshow makes understanding visual elements both accessible and inspiring. Perfect for classrooms, workshops, or personal study, it’s the ideal tool to help students develop a keen eye for composition and elevate their photographic artistry.
Unlock Creativity with the Art in Boxes Project Pack!
Bring the captivating world of Joseph Cornell and John Dilnot into your KS3 classroom with our comprehensive Project Pack. This pack includes a dynamic Art in Boxes slideshow and a detailed Scheme of Learning, guiding students through the exciting process of creating their own narrative-driven box art.
Perfect for inspiring creativity and critical thinking, this pack equips teachers with everything needed to engage students in exploring assemblage, collage, and mixed media. Spark imagination and storytelling with this ready-to-use resource
“Creative thinking, in terms of generating ideas, is not a mystical talent. It is a skill that can be practiced and nurtured”
Empower your students to excel in GCSE Art. Designed for educators, this resource offers practical guidance on how to attain marks in the higher bands and elevate your students potential. Learn how to help students refine their artistic skills and meet the assessment criteria to achieve top grades.
Dive into the world of Cubism with the KS3 Art Project Pack, featuring a Cubism slideshow and an accompanying Scheme of Learning. This pack is designed to guide students through the exciting principles of Cubism, encouraging them to explore geometric abstraction, multiple perspectives, and innovative use of materials.
Unlock the secrets of perfect exposure with this engaging Exposure Triangle Slideshow. Designed for Y10 GCSE Photography students, this slideshow simplifies the concepts of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, guiding learners through their crucial roles in capturing correctly exposed images.
With clear visuals and practical examples, this resource makes understanding the exposure triangle easy and fun. Equip your students with the knowledge to take their photography skills to the next level.
This resource offers students an insightful guide to the essential principles of composition, including the rule of thirds, leading lines, Space and Symmetry. With clear explanations and inspiring examples, this slideshow helps learners understand how to arrange elements in their photos for maximum impact. Ideal for classrooms it’s a helpful tool to enhance photographic skills and creativity.
Explore the world of creative storytelling with the “Art in Boxes” scheme of learning, inspired by the captivating works of Joseph Cornell and John Dilnot.
This engaging project invites students to delve into the art of assemblage, collage, and mixed media, using found objects and personal mementos to create unique, narrative-driven box art. Through this hands-on exploration, students will develop skills in composition, spatial awareness, and conceptual thinking, all while crafting their own miniature worlds inside a box. Perfect for fostering creativity, imagination, and artistic expression, this project encourages students to transform everyday materials into extraordinary visual stories.