Art

Inspiring Creativity and Broadening Horizons

Engaging with our Art curriculum enables pupils to expand their creativity, explore new perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through a wide range of skills and techniques, pupils learn to connect with artists, concepts and real-world issues, building strong cultural awareness.

Developing Skills and Creative Confidence

Pupils are encouraged to record, refine, develop and respond to design briefs, helping them express individuality and grow in creative confidence.
Written tasks support pupils in using key terminology and developing their ability to analyse, evaluate, self‑critique and write contextually about artists and movements.

Experiencing Art Beyond the Classroom

We aim to enrich learning through exposure to the wider art and design community. This includes:

• Studying a diverse range of artists past and present

• Exploring different artistic traditions and cultures

• Visits to galleries and exhibitions

• Workshops with creative professionals

• Opportunities to take part in national events such as The Big Draw

• Entering local and national competitions

Supporting Individual Style and Lifelong Creativity

We are passionate about helping pupils discover and develop their own artistic style. Our curriculum equips them with the skills to communicate ideas effectively across various media and encourages them to become lifelong creative practitioners.

We believe every pupil should have the opportunity to engage with the arts and build valuable cultural and creative skills that will benefit them both in school and beyond.

Key Stage 3: Building Strong Foundations

Throughout KS3, pupils develop the essential technical skills that underpin all creative work. Lessons are designed to give pupils hands-on experience in drawing, painting and sculpture, while encouraging them to explore their own ideas and develop their personal style.

Line, Shape and Form

Pupils learn how to use line and shape effectively and begin to understand how to represent objects with increasing realism and accuracy.

Tone and Texture

Through techniques such as hatching, cross‑hatching and blending, pupils develop their ability to add depth and dimension to their artwork.

Colour Theory Essentials

Pupils explore colour mixing, learn about primary, secondary and tertiary colours, and discover how complementary and analogous colour schemes can enhance their work.

Experimenting with Media

Throughout KS3, pupils work with a range of materials including pencil, charcoal, pastel and watercolour, helping them understand how different media behave and how to select the right tools for a given outcome.

Creative Expression from Day One

Even as pupils build technical skills, we place equal importance on creativity. Lessons encourage them to communicate ideas, emotions and experiences through their artwork, laying the groundwork for confident artistic expression in later years.

Key Stage 3 (KS3)

At Forge Valley, our KS3 Art curriculum is designed to build confidence, creativity and strong foundational skills. Pupils have one hour of Art each week, allowing them to engage regularly with practical and creative learning.

Sketchbooks and Project Work

Pupils begin Year 7 with their own sketchbook, which they continue to use throughout Year 8. Sketchbooks are a key part of their learning journey and form a record of developing skills, ideas and reflections.

Each year, pupils complete four projects, giving them opportunities to:

• Study and respond to a variety of artists and designers

• Analyse artwork and explore different concepts

• Experiment with a wide range of media and techniques

• Create personal outcomes inspired by the artists they study

• Produce short written reflections to demonstrate their understanding of skills, processes and materials

Year 9: Moving Towards GCSE

In Year 9, pupils transition away from sketchbooks and begin presenting their work as presentation sheets. This format helps pupils:

• Sequence their learning clearly

• Demonstrate understanding of skills and media

• Build confidence in preparing work similar to GCSE coursework

Each project is assessed at its conclusion, giving pupils clear feedback and preparing them for Key Stage 4 expectations.

Key Stage 4 (KS4)

At KS4, the curriculum deepens pupils’ skills, independence and creative thinking. Pupils receive two lessons per week, allowing them sustained time to develop high‑quality coursework.

The programme includes:

• Two major units in Year 10 and Year 11, forming the core of the GCSE portfolio

• An externally set component in Year 11, where pupils respond to a theme provided by the exam board

This structure ensures pupils are fully prepared for the demands of GCSE Art, with ongoing support, guidance and opportunities for personal expression.

Art lessons at Forge Valley are designed to be creative, energetic and purposeful. Each session guides pupils through new skills while giving them plenty of opportunities to explore, experiment and express themselves.

Lesson Introduction

Every lesson begins with a clear objective and focus. Teachers introduce the theme of the session — this might be learning a new technique such as shading or perspective, or exploring a different medium like watercolour, charcoal or printmaking.

Demonstration and Modelling

To support understanding, teachers provide a short demonstration, modelling the skills pupils will be using. This could include:

• Mixing and applying colour

• Building form through tone

• Approaching a still‑life drawing

• Creating a print step‑by‑step

These demonstrations give pupils the confidence to try techniques independently.

Guided Skill Development

Teachers then guide pupils through the key stages of the activity. This may involve:

• Step‑by‑step technique instruction

• Exploration of materials

• Short practice tasks to build confidence

Pupils might sketch shapes, work on brush control, or experiment with textures before moving onto their main artwork.

Independent Creative Work

Pupils then apply what they’ve learned to produce their own artwork. Depending on the project, this could include:

• Still life drawing

• Landscape painting

• Abstract work

• Mixed‑media experimentation

During this time, pupils are encouraged to make creative choices and respond personally to the task.

Support and Feedback

Throughout the lesson, the teacher circulates to offer:

• Technical guidance

• Suggestions for improvement

• Encouragement and feedback

This helps pupils refine their work and build confidence in their skills.

Sharing and Reflecting

Where appropriate, pupils are invited to share their work with peers — either informally or through short, structured critiques. This helps them:

• Celebrate progress

• Learn from others

• Develop confidence in discussing their work

Reflection is an important part of the lesson. Pupils might briefly discuss what they found successful or write a short comment about their creative process.

Tidy Away

At the end of each lesson, pupils take responsibility for cleaning and organising their workspace, washing brushes, returning equipment and ensuring the room is ready for the next group.

Key Stage 3 (KS3)

At KS3, assessment is designed to support progress, build confidence and help pupils understand how to develop their artistic skills over time. Throughout each project, pupils receive a variety of feedback methods, including:

• Sticker marking

• Self‑assessment

• Peer assessment

• Verbal feedback from teachers

At the end of every unit, pupils receive formative teacher feedback that highlights strengths, areas for development and next steps. This structure is repeated across all KS3 projects, giving pupils the consistency they need to revisit, refine and improve each component of the curriculum. Over time, this approach helps pupils build strong habits, resilience and independence in their artmaking.

Key Stage 4 (KS4)

At KS4, assessment becomes more closely aligned with GCSE expectations. Coursework is assessed by class teachers using the official GCSE assessment criteria, and pupils continually work to evidence the four key Assessment Objectives:

AO1

Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

AO2

Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.

AO3

Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

AO4

Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Throughout lessons, pupils receive individual verbal feedback to guide their progress. Presentation sheets and project work are formally assessed, with constructive feedback that supports pupils in strengthening their portfolio and preparing for final submission.

At Forge Valley, we are committed to providing rich and inspiring Art & Design experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Enrichment opportunities are woven into our curriculum to give pupils a broader understanding of the creative world and to deepen the skills they develop in lessons.

We believe that experiencing art competitions, galleries and real‑world creative spaces is essential in widening pupils’ artistic knowledge and confidence. As a department, we are passionate about strengthening the Art capital of our young people so they leave us equipped with the skills, understanding and cultural awareness they need for the next stage of their journey.

Current Opportunities

At present, pupils at KS4 have the chance to take their learning further through visits to key cultural venues such as:

• The Hepworth Wakefield

• Yorkshire Sculpture Park

These experiences allow pupils to encounter professional work first‑hand, develop critical response skills and gain inspiration for their own creative projects.

Looking Ahead

We are actively working to expand our offer and provide meaningful Art‑related trips for every year group. Our aim is to build memorable, exciting experiences that enhance classroom learning, celebrate creativity and broaden pupils’ exposure to the wider world of art and design.

Studying Art opens the door to a huge range of pathways — not just traditional fine art careers. Creative skills are highly valued in modern industries, and pupils who study Art develop abilities in problem‑solving, visual communication, creative thinking, resilience, independence and project development. These are sought after in many sectors.

Higher Education Opportunities

Art can lead to a wide variety of further and higher‑education routes such as:

Creative and Related Career Pathways

Art unlocks careers in a wide range of industries — many of which are rapidly growing. Here are some examples:

Life Skills and Wider Opportunities

Art also supports a broad range of essential life and work skills, including:

• Creative problem‑solving

• Resilience, independence and organisation

• Confidence in presenting ideas

• Visual communication — highly valuable in many careers

• Cultural awareness and critical thinking

• Portfolio building, useful for apprenticeships and interviews

Many pupils go on to use their art skills in unexpected careers such as:

• Education

• Youth work

• Marketing

• Community arts

• Entrepreneurship

Supporting your child in Art doesn’t require specialist knowledge — just encouragement, interest and a little space for creativity. Here are some simple but impactful ways you can help.

Show an Interest in Their Work

Ask your child about what they’re creating in lessons:

• “What project are you working on at the moment?”
• “Which artist are you studying?”
• “What part are you most proud of?”

Talking about their work helps pupils build confidence and understand their own creative decisions.

Give Them Space to Create at Home

A small area with basic materials can make a big difference. You don’t need expensive equipment — pencils, colouring materials and paper are enough to practise skills. Encouraging creativity outside school helps pupils refine techniques and develop their own ideas.

Encourage Practice and Experimentation

Art improves with practice. Celebrate experimentation, even when things don’t go exactly to plan. Trying new techniques builds resilience and strengthens skills over time.

Visit Galleries or Creative Spaces

If possible, visit:

• Local galleries
• Museums
• Sculpture trails
• Creative workshops

Seeing real artwork inspires pupils, broadens their understanding of the arts and supports project work — especially helpful at KS4.

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes

Art is subjective. Encourage your child by recognising:

• Improvements
• Commitment
• Creativity
• Personal growth

Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivation.

Support Homework and Coursework

Ask what they need to complete each week. Sometimes they may need:

• A quiet space to work
• Access to the internet for artist research
• Time for refining or developing ideas

Small, regular check‑ins help pupils stay on track.

Encourage Them to Use Teacher Feedback

Remind your child to revisit feedback from their teacher. Refining work based on feedback is a key part of the assessment process in both KS3 and KS4.

Stay Connected With the School

Reading newsletters, attending parents’ evenings, and checking communications from the Art department helps you stay informed about projects, deadlines and upcoming opportunities such as competitions or gallery visits.