Art

Art and Design Curriculum Intent

Art and design is all around us, helping us understand the world, express ideas and appreciate different cultures and histories. At Moat, we aim to build students’ confidence, creativity and practical skills by teaching the foundations of visual language alongside inspiring artists and hands-on projects that encourage them to explore, experiment and develop their own ideas.

Key Stage 3

Students follow the National Curriculum and complete a baseline assessment to help us understand their starting point, including their practical skills, creativity and knowledge from Key Stage 2.

Year 7 – Block One

Students begin the year by exploring the formal elements through a project based on natural forms. They develop observational drawing skills while experimenting with line, shape, form, tone, texture, pattern and colour. Through a range of practical activities, they build confidence with different materials and techniques, creating a strong foundation for future learning.

Year 7 – Block Two

Students build on their understanding of the formal elements through an exciting project inspired by underwater sea life. They investigate the colours, textures, patterns and forms found beneath the ocean, using a variety of media to develop and refine their ideas. Alongside practical work, students explore the work of the Beyond the Border theme, using this as inspiration for a final personal response that combines the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout the project.

Throughout both projects, students are introduced to the GCSE Art and Design assessment objectives at an age-appropriate level, encouraging them to develop ideas, experiment with materials, record observations and create a meaningful final outcome.

Year 8 – Block One

Students continue to develop their understanding of the formal elements through a project inspired by the work of Henri Rousseau and the Rainforest. They explore the vibrant colours, varied shapes, rich textures and patterns found in tropical plants and wildlife, developing their observational drawing, painting and composition skills. Alongside practical work, students learn about Rousseau’s distinctive style and how artists use imagination as well as observation to create artwork. They experiment with a range of techniques before producing a final response inspired by Henri Rousseau, bringing together the skills, knowledge and creativity they have developed throughout the project.

Year 8 – Block Two

Students continue to develop their understanding of the formal elements through a project based on Everyday Objects, inspired by the work of Michael Craig-Martin and Andy Warhol. They explore Craig-Martin’s large-scale murals, bold outlines, overlapping compositions and vibrant colours, developing their observational drawing, colour theory and painting skills. Students then investigate Andy Warhol’s Pop Art, exploring repetition, pattern and contrasting colours through printmaking techniques. They experiment with a range of materials and processes, including lino printing, to create their own artwork inspired by everyday objects. Throughout the project, students develop their creativity, technical skills and understanding of how artists can transform ordinary objects into exciting and visually striking artwork.

Key Stage 4

At Moat we follow a three year programme.

Year 9

In Year 9, students begin the GCSE Fine Art course with a structured foundation programme designed to build confidence, independence and technical skill. Throughout the first two terms, they explore a wide range of materials, media, processes and techniques, developing the practical skills needed to work successfully at GCSE. Students are introduced to different ways of generating ideas, refining their work and experimenting with a variety of artistic approaches, giving them a broad toolkit of skills to draw upon in Years 10 and 11.

During the third term, students complete a mini-project that introduces the four GCSE Art and Design assessment objectives in a clear and structured way. They learn how to develop ideas, investigate artists, experiment with materials, record observations and produce a personal final response, preparing them for the independent projects they will undertake throughout the rest of the GCSE course.

Year 10

Year 10 marks the start of the 60% GCSE coursework portfolio. Students complete a sustained project that allows them to fully explore a theme while developing their own ideas and personal style. Throughout the project, they work through all four GCSE Art and Design assessment objectives, researching artists, developing ideas, experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques, recording observations, and refining their work before producing a personal final response.

As the year progresses, students are encouraged to become increasingly independent, making informed creative decisions and selecting the most appropriate media and processes to communicate their ideas. Regular feedback and assessment help students understand how to improve their work and make progress against the GCSE assessment criteria. The final outcome for the project is completed during a five-hour sustained practical session, allowing students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and techniques they have developed throughout the course.

Year 11

In Year 11, students build on the skills and confidence developed throughout the GCSE course. They begin the year by completing a twelve-week mock examination project based on a previous GCSE exam paper theme. This gives students the opportunity to experience the expectations of the externally set assignment in a supportive environment, while applying all four assessment objectives. The final outcome is completed during a ten-hour sustained practical examination, helping students develop the confidence, resilience and time management skills needed for the final GCSE exam.

Following the mock examination, students begin the externally set assignment (Unit Two). Over twelve school weeks, they independently develop a personal response to one of the examination questions. Students are supported and challenged according to their individual needs. Those requiring additional guidance, including students with SEND, receive carefully structured support to help them organise and develop their ideas, while more confident students are encouraged to take greater creative risks and produce increasingly personal and meaningful outcomes.

We recognise that some students may face barriers to learning outside the classroom and are committed to ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed. All students are provided with a sketchbook, and pupils eligible for Pupil Premium receive a free art pack to support their work at home.

From the beginning of Year 11, regular after-school intervention sessions are available, giving students access to specialist materials, studio space and individual teacher support. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to refine work, develop ideas and produce the highest quality outcomes in preparation for their GCSE assessments.