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Art

Curriculum Intent:

The Art curriculum at Lampton aims to develop creative, independent thinkers who are confident in expressing themselves visually and conceptually. Through a broad and inclusive programme, students explore a range of artistic disciplines including drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, and digital art.

Knowledge

Students build a strong foundation in visual language, learning about art movements, materials, techniques, and processes. They develop an understanding of how artists from diverse cultures and time periods communicate ideas through their work.

Skills

Students are taught how to observe, record and develop their ideas with increasing precision and creativity. They refine practical skills across a range of media, and learn how to experiment with techniques to develop personal outcomes. Analytical thinking is fostered through the evaluation of their own and others’ work.

Dispositions

Art nurtures resilience, curiosity, and empathy. Students are encouraged to take creative risks, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and develop their own visual voice. They learn to appreciate different perspectives and develop cultural literacy through visual exploration.

Our curriculum prepares students to progress confidently into further education or creative industries, with a portfolio of work and critical awareness of the world around them.

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Y7	Formal element of line	Formal element of texture	Formal element of tone	Formal element of tone, texture, shape and form.	Formal element of space and pattern.	Combination of all formal elements. Study of Gustav Klimt- researching and creating own artist responses.
Y8	Introduction to the context of the project - Mexican day of the dead	Explore ideas and produce creative work within a cultural context	Perspective drawing - one point and two point	Architecture project: Explore 6 different techniques artist use to create depth and space	Exploring the examination of sea creatures and marine life in art	Understanding of how to develop and refine ideas, using inspiration from studied artists
Y9	Introduction to facial features and drawing of tonal portraits.	Continue the study of tonal portraits. Creating own pieces in response to chosen portraiture artists.	Continue the study of tonal portraits. Creating own pieces in response to chosen portraiture artists.	Building on knowledge in previous term on Chuck Close and the grid technique	Natural forms project: Students explore different medium and techniques	Introduction to GCSE ART and a range of new materials and techniques
Y10	Introduction to component 1, project 1: Natural Forms, focusing on creating work from primary visual research	Component 1, project 1; focusing on the work of established practitioners.	Component 1, project 1; research and development of ideas	Component 1, project 1; research and development of ideas informed by first-hand experiences and appropriate secondary sources.	Component 1, project 1; development of ideas towards final outcome	Introduction to component 1, project 2; objects
Y11	Component 1, project 2; focusing on the work of established practitioners	Component 1, project 2; research and development of ideas	Externally Set Assignment	Students continue exploring chosen question for exam unit.	Externally Set Assignment 10 hour Timed Period	--
Y12	Skills based workshops	Skills based workshops Introduction to the personal Investigation	Selection of Personal Investigation direction and topic, presentation of idea and introduction to essay	Personal Investigation research and development of ideas	Personal Investigation research and development of ideas	Personal Investigation research and development of ideas
Y13	Personal Investigation research and development of ideas	Personal Investigation research and development of ideas	Mock Exam Externally Set Assignment	Externally Set Assignment	Externally Set Assignment 15 hour Timed Period	--

Art

GCSE exam board & specification: AQA (specification)

A level exam board & specification: AQA (specification)

Year 7 knowledge organisers

Year 8 knowledge organisers

Year 9 knowledge organisers

GCSE handbook

A level handbook

How to Support Your Child in Art

Encourage regular sketchbook work
Ask your child to use their sketchbook at home—not just for homework, but to collect ideas, sketch from objects around them, or experiment with colour and materials. This helps them build a habit of creative thinking and strengthens their portfolio.
Visit or explore visual art
Take them to a gallery or exhibition if you can. If not, explore online museum collections or short videos on artists and techniques. Exposure to a wide range of styles will help them understand how to develop their own ideas.
Talk about the decisions behind their work
Rather than asking, “What is it?”, try: “Why did you choose these colours?” or “What do you want people to notice first?” This helps them build the reflective thinking needed for GCSE evaluation tasks.
Provide space and basic materials
If possible, set up a small area at home where they can work comfortably. Stock it with essentials like pencils, glue, scissors, and magazines for collage. A practical workspace encourages independent creativity.

What opportunities for enrichment are there in Art?

Art at Lampton offers students a variety of enrichment opportunities designed to deepen creative learning and expose students to real-world artistic practices.

KS3 Art & Animation Club runs weekly and offers students the chance to explore both traditional and digital animation techniques, alongside experimental art projects. It’s a space for creativity, collaboration, and skill-building beyond the classroom.
GCSE & A-Level Coursework Support Workshops are held twice a week (Monday and Wednesday) after school. These sessions provide structured support to help students refine their ideas, improve techniques, and meet assessment objectives for their coursework portfolios.
Educational visits include trips to major galleries such as Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery, the V&A Museum, and Kew Gardens, where students gather visual research through photography, drawing, and observation to inform their project work.
Careers links are embedded throughout the curriculum and enrichment, introducing students to creative industries such as fine art, architecture, fashion, animation, and game design. Students also take part in competitions and exhibitions that help build experience and confidence in showcasing their work.

These opportunities encourage students to take ownership of their artistic development and understand how their skills can be applied beyond the classroom.

What Careers Can Success in Art Lead To?

Success in Art opens the door to a wide range of creative and professional careers by developing both technical skill and personal expression. Whether at KS3, GCSE, or A-Level, Art teaches students to think visually, solve problems creatively, and communicate ideas effectively—skills that are highly valued in fields such as design, architecture, illustration, advertising, fashion, animation, and fine art.

Students learn how to explore concepts, experiment with materials, and develop original ideas. These are key capabilities in careers that demand innovation, independent thinking, and strong visual literacy—from creative industries to education, therapy, and beyond.

Studying Art also builds character. It fosters resilience, self-discipline, and confidence while encouraging curiosity and an openness to new ideas. Art enables students to express their identity, respond to the world around them, and develop empathy by exploring diverse cultures and perspectives.

As they progress, students gain a strong creative foundation alongside transferable skills such as critical thinking, organisation, and reflection. Whether pursuing further study at art college, university, or entering the creative workforce, Art supports students to become thoughtful, adaptable individuals equipped to make an impact in a wide range of careers. From architects to animators, gallery curators to graphic designers, Art nurtures the imagination and ambition to shape the world around us.

For further information, contact:

Ms Nouri

jnouri@lampton.org.uk

Art