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What do we study in Art at Ridgeway?
Why do we study Art?
Ridgeway’s Creative Department offers an Art and Design curriculum that inspires and motivates pupils, giving them the skills and knowledge to create their own works of art, craft, and design. Pupils will be encouraged to think creatively and critically, learning how to express themselves through different artistic techniques and materials.
It is essential that every child has access to this curriculum. We ensure that all students, regardless of background or ability, can engage with, and enjoy the creative process. Our curriculum provides access to a wide range of materials, techniques, and artistic tools, allowing pupils to experiment and find their own creative voice. Students will explore various art forms and styles from different cultures and time periods, helping them appreciate the diverse ways in which people express ideas and experiences. By studying a wide range of artists from across the globe, pupils will deepen their understanding of the world and their place within it.
The curriculum helps pupils explore a variety of art forms from both the past and present, helping them understand how art, craft, and design have influenced history and continue to shape the world today. Pupils will learn how these subjects connect to social, political, and cultural events and how they might impact the future.
At Ridgeway, we believe that learning about art helps pupils understand its importance in the world. It connects them to different cultures and ideas and helps them appreciate the role of art in shaping society. Art and Design is a key part of our Ridgeway 360° approach, helping to develop well-rounded individuals and preparing them for future success in all areas of life. Art is also important for subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), encouraging new ideas, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all of which are valuable in both school and the workplace.
We ensure that all students have access to art, providing a healthy way for them to express their thoughts and feelings. This helps them develop abstract thinking and problem-solving skills. By learning art, pupils gain the ability to adapt, invent, and think critically—skills they will use throughout their lives.
Art programme of study at Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Our Key Stage 3 Art and Design programme provides a structured, balanced curriculum aligned with the national framework. We aim to inspire pupils’ interest in the subject while developing key skills such as resilience, confidence, and creativity, which are essential for their growth in Art.
The curriculum focuses on deepening students’ understanding of their own work and that of others. We encourage creativity and individuality, enabling pupils to take pride in their achievements and reach their full potential.
Each project begins with observational drawings, followed by researching the work of artists and designers to inform their own ideas. Pupils experiment with techniques and materials, using this to create Design Ideas. Projects concludes in a final outcome/assessment that reflects their understanding and creativity. Assessments at KS3 run over three lessons which allows sufficient time meeting the success criteria and adapting work when responding to feedback.
This approach equips students with the foundational skills in drawing, research, experimentation, and design, all of which prepare them for the more independent and advanced work required at GCSE. By the end of KS3, students are ready to take the next step in their Art education.
Art programme of study at Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Pupils begin more in-depth studying for their Fine Art GCSE in Year 10 which enables students to build on the knowledge and skills they developed at KS3. Pupils will revisit techniques, materials and processes in order to master them, while also being introduced to new materials through workshops. At Ridgeway, we follow the AQA Art and Design specification. The coursework portfolio is made up of a selection of the work completed throughout 2 projects over the course of Year 10 & 11, while the external exam unit is based around pupils’ individual responses to a set exam paper released in the January of Year 11.
Pupils will:
· Develop their ideas through investigations informed by selecting and critically analysing sources
· Refine their ideas as work progresses through experimenting with media, materials, techniques and processes
· Record their ideas, observations, insights and independent judgements, visually and through written annotation, using appropriate specialist vocabulary, as work progresses
· Use visual language critically as appropriate to their own creative intentions and chosen area(s) of study through effective and safe use of: media, materials, techniques, processes, technologies, use drawing skills for different needs and purposes, appropriate to the context
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Homework expectations
Homework is an important aspect of our curriculum. Not only does it offer the opportunity for pupils to consolidate their learning within lessons, it also offers a chance for them to develop and master the skills and techniques taught in the classroom. Key Stage 3 pupils will be set one piece of homework every fortnight. This could include a practical activity or artist research. Key Stage 4 pupils are also given one piece of homework every fortnight however, it is an expectation that GCSE pupils complete at least an hour of independent study outside of school.
How can parents and guardians support at home?
As well as monitoring homework and encouraging pupils to attend any additional intervention and extra-curricular sessions on offer, there are a range of ways in which parents and guardians can help to support their child with developing their Art & Design skills.
In order for students to achieve their full potential in Art & Design, it is important that they practise the skills and techniques they are introduced to in lessons in their own time. Therefore, having a quiet space at home and some basic equipment such as drawing pencils, watercolours, pencil crayons etc is a huge advantage for students studying Art & Design. As 60% of students’ final Art grade at GCSE is based on coursework, there is an expectation for students to be working on their coursework in between lessons at home. Please encourage this.
If a suitable space or equipment is not available for students to work at home, for any reason, then pupils are very welcome to come and access the facilities and equipment in school during lunchtime and after school. Please email [email protected] for details.
Extra-curricular opportunities
Across the academic year, extra-curricular opportunities include:
· Weekly lunchtime & after school GCSE Art Intervention sessions
· KS3 After school Art Clubs
· Art & Design workshops from teacher, external artists and companies.
· An annual ‘Creative Trip’ residential
