Art & Design in Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9) 

Related Pages: Art - IGCSE Art & Design  |  Art - Pre-IB Art  |  A level Art & Design

Also available to download in PDF format: Key Stage 3 Programme of Study

In Years 7-9, pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. They work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. They learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. In art, craft and design, pupils reflect critically on their own and other people’s work, judging quality, value and meaning. They learn to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently. 

Importance of Art and Design 

In art, craft and design, pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. They work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. They learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. In art, craft and design, pupils reflect critically on their own and other people’s work, judging quality, value and meaning. They learn to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of art, craft and design, and its role in the creative and cultural industries that enrich their lives. 

Key concepts of Art and Design 

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of art, craft and design. Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding. 

Creativity 

1. Producing imaginative images, artefacts and other outcomes that are both original and of value.                      
2. Exploring and experimenting with ideas, materials, tools and techniques.                 
3. Taking risks and learning from mistakes. 

Competence 

1. Investigating, analysing, designing, making, reflecting and evaluating effectively.         
2. Making informed choices about media, techniques and processes. 

Cultural understanding 

1. Engaging with a range of images and artefacts from different contexts, recognising the varied characteristics of different cultures and using them to inform their creating and making. 
2. Understanding the role of the artist, craftsperson and designer in a range of cultures, times and contexts.

Critical understanding 

1. Exploring visual, tactile and other sensory qualities of their own and others’ work.
2. Engaging with ideas, images and artefacts, and identifying how values and meanings are conveyed.            
3. Developing their own views and expressing reasoned judgements.                
4. Analysing and reflecting on work from diverse contexts. 

Key processes 

These are the essential skills and processes in art, craft and design that pupils need to learn to make progress. 

Explore and create 

Pupils should be able to: 

1. develop ideas and intentions by working from first-hand observation, experience, inspiration, imagination and other sources            
2. investigate how to express and realise ideas using formal elements and the qualities of a range of media
3. make purposeful images and artefacts, selecting from a range of materials, techniques and processes
4. draw to express perception and invention, to communicate feelings, experiences and ideas, and for pleasure 
5. explore and develop ideas using sketchbooks, journals and other appropriate strategies. 

Understand and evaluate 

Pupils should be able to: 

1. use research and investigative skills appropriate to art, craft and design    
2. appreciate how codes and conventions are used to convey ideas and meanings in and between different cultures and contexts              
3. reflect on and evaluate their own and others’ work, adapting and refining their own images and artefacts at all stages of the creative process                 
4. analyse, select and question critically, making reasoned choices when developing personal work        
5. develop ideas and intentions when creating images and artefacts
6. organise and present their own material and information in appropriate forms. 

Range and content of Art and Design 

This section outlines the breadth of the subject on which teachers should draw when teaching the key concepts and key processes. 

The study of art, craft and design should include: 

1. work in, and across, the areas of fine art, craft and design, including both applied and fine art practices                                                                              
2. exploration of media, processes and techniques in 2D, 3D and new technologies
3. study of a range of artefacts from contemporary, historical, personal and cultural contexts
4. understanding of art, craft and design processes, associated equipment and safe working practices. 

Curriculum opportunities of Art and Design 

During the key stage pupils should be offered the following opportunities that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the concepts, processes and content of the subject. 

The curriculum should provide opportunities for pupils to: 

1. work independently and collaboratively, taking different roles in teams
2. explore areas that are new to them, including ideas, techniques and processes
3. respond to the school’s location and local cultural influences
4. engage with contemporary art, craft and design, working with creative individuals and in creative environments where possible
5. work with a variety of genres, including contemporary practice
6. engage in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary practice within the arts
7. make links between art and design and other subjects and areas of the curriculum.