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We have designed our curriculum using the KS3 National Curriculum and it is delivered under the framework of the IB Middle Years programme. We have also referenced the KS2 Programmes of Study in our initial planning.

The arts curriculum at Mascalls has been specifically devised to maximise student acquisition of cultural capital. Its key aim is to create more rounded citizens, improve life chances whilst securing transferable skills. Our starting point is to establish and diagnose student access to this on their journey from Ks2 Throughout Ks3 students learn the language of art and artists and develop a respect for its value in the greater world around them. At the end of Ks3 students have the option of beginning to specialise in more specific areas of the art sector, steadily working though to mastery. The arts curriculum has be devised specifically to challenge disadvantage, provide opportunities, open up new concepts, incite new ways of thinking and mastering skills, irrespective of background and starting points. We utilise the creation of personal portfolios of evidence to allow for the development of skills, identify own strengths and areas for development, build resilience and secure a network of transferable skills that will allow individuals to succeed creatively, academically and engage in wider society. Our success is measured on the improvement of life chances, ensuring our young people have a voice, have the skills to join a conversation and build a stable social network.

The arts curriculum seeks to teach our students how to learn – learning independently and with others through inspiration and enquiry. Frequent assessment and review seeks to secure the students’ habitus, testing their culmination of social and cultural capital. At every stage, the arts curriculum is designed to expose students to character building qualities. Through opening up exposure to other cultures, the aim is to develop well rounded global citizens whilst understanding / developing their own sense of identity and community.

Key activities are undertaken developing students’ knowledge of culture, underpinned by a respect of British values, diversity, human rights ( Year 9) as well as raising awareness and supporting in mental health and well being. The curriculum aims to nurture students ability to think synergistically. Frequently quality assurance against National benchmarks is employed to ensure it is current, relevant and teaching the skills which incite a love of learning.

KS3 art

Interpretation of the human form and features using line. Representation of 2D forms, expression and movement using line and mark making. Exploration of the work of Boris Schmitz and Kris Trappaniers. 1st and 2nd hand sources. Outline and contouring.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Interpretation of the human form and features using line. Representation of 2D forms, expression and movement using line and mark making. Exploration of the work of Boris Schmitz and Kris Trappaniers. 1st and 2nd hand sources. Outline and contouring.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Introduction to the Lakota community and the cultural significance of the Lakota star. During the IDU (interdisciplinary unit), in the maths lesson links will be made with  mathematical principles; acute/ obtuse angles, parallel lines, measurement through the artwork. Development of the application of tone to suggest form.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Exploration of geometric shapes, learning to break down 3 dimension forms into 2 dimensions. Geometric portraiture – transforming the complex forms into simple shapes and proportions. Designing of a greek mask in drama & creating in 3D during the art lessons.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Exploration of the origins of colour and subsequent colour theory, application of colour and colour mixing, tints, shades and tone.  Study of expression and mood through colour. Exploration of the use of symbolism and meaning through cultural references – Mandala designs/ Rangoli designs. Print and fabric based work. 1st and 2nd hand sources.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Exploration of the origins of colour and subsequent colour theory, application of colour and colour mixing, tints, shades and tone.  Study of expression and mood through colour. Exploration of the use of symbolism and meaning through cultural references – Mandala designs/ Rangoli designs. Print and fabric based work. 1st and 2nd hand sources.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Development of prior knowledge of line to investigate pattern. Exploration and transcription of the work of Iain Macarthur. Investigations into his inspiration and source material for his work.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Develop an understanding of pattern formation and motif, using simplification and abstraction. Creation of tonal studies from second hand observational  sources, simplified and abstract, applying the process of pattern formation to create patterns from which can be produced through the process of printmaking.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Investigation of the work of Yinka Shonibare, discussing links between geographical attributes of particular areas; how this influences the techniques and processes of artists and craftspeople, why crossover occurs and parallels might be drawn.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Identification and photography of objects reflecting one’s own cultural identity. Development of drawing, simplifying and creating patterns; exploration of the technique of Batik to develop personal patterns.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Introduction to the work of Olinda Silvano and weaving techniques: 1) weaving with paper 

2) weaving with cardboard and cotton. Development of ideas through the application of portraiture using the technique of weaving. Consideration of colour choices and application of patterns to represent one’s own cultural identity. Outcomes will be used to create posters displaying key spanish phrases.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Exploration of the connections between our environment and that of the Shipibo Conibo people. Study of maps of the areas and utilise them to create abstract and simplified line drawings. Creation of clay tiles onto which sections are built of the abstract designs.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Study of the theme of human rights. Artist research and analysis. Experimentation with appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Continuation of the study of the theme of human rights. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response through collage, 3D and modelling.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Introduction to Social Comparison. Iconography: exploration of religious iconography and icons in popular culture. 1st and 2nd hand sources.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Continuation of Social Comparison. Development of portraiture through gridding methods culminating into lino printing from portraits observational recording. Experimentation traditionally and digitally.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Introduction to symbolic art. Analysis of cultural influence on artwork. Personal reflection on own culture and development of response both traditionally and digitally. Exploration of space, scale, proportion and composition. Experimentation with colour theory.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

Continuation of symbolic art. Exploration of  the meaning of identity and symbolism. 1st and 2nd hand sources. Development of ideas to produce an identity piece inspired by Kaylan M.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

KS4 fine art

Exploration of the basics of composition and typography when creating mind maps and artist pages. Introduction to the Close Up theme exploring artists such as Robert Cottingham and Sarah Graham. Collection of relevant objects to construct a still life in the style of Graham and photograph them with consideration of lighting and depth of field.

Development of recording skills by creating a range of observational studies from own photos. Exploration of the use of scale, space, proportion and composition when producing a variety of outcomes. Exploration of different media such as watercolour, acrylic and colour pencils when applying colour to outcomes using tones, shades and tints to create detail and depth.

Exploration of how personal objects are used to represent identity. Generation of 1st hand recording through photography.  Use of a selection of imagery to produce a series of monoprints and large scale acrylic painting. Development of  ideas through new artist research. 1st hand recording & own photography showing inspiration from artists.

Development of compositional plans and designs through thumbnails, sketches and annotations. Refinement of ideas through media experimentations using 1st hand resources. Development of ideas to a personal response using appropriate media and demonstrating links to chosen artists.

Production of a personal response showing clear links to work of others. Utilisation of media and techniques appropriate to specific ideas and intentions. Scale, proportion and application of media is a particular focus.

Introduction to the theme of Viewpoints. Exploration of Cubism and the work of artists such as David Hockney’s joiners. Development of ideas through own photography –  record from own photographs that have been manipulated through hand & digital techniques – cutting, splicing digital editing – recomposing photos to create own joiners and multiple view portraits or still lifes.

Development and refinement of ideas through media, techniques & processes. Development of personal and meaningful outcomes through artist research and own photography. Use of 1st hand resources to create thumbnails, sketches and compositional plans.

Production of a personal response showing clear links to the work of others. Us of media and techniques appropriate to specific ideas and intentions. Use of scale, proportion and application of media is a particular focus.

Research on chosen topic. Artist research and analysis. Experimentation with appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response and evaluation.

KS4 Graphic Design

Exploration of the theme of Family Affair. Exploration of photographs of ‘Hidden’ Alphabet within everyday surroundings and objects. Composition and analysis of images. Development of understanding of Radial, Symmetrical and Asymmetrical composition of photographs. Use of letter guides to draw out type. Development of ideas using primary photography. Creation of a wordmark to summarise type.

Further exploration of typography. Development and creation of type grids for accurate scale. Creation of  a ‘TYPOGRAPHY’ title page using found type. Understanding of the 5 Font Families, Type Anatomy, Control Characters, Type overlay and how letterforms show similarities.

Working to a brief. Development of mindmaps, moodboards and an introduction to the theme ‘Safety’. Exploration of artists and designers such as La Boca and Paul Catherill and production of a response to the work. Creation of primary photography with the images to be used throughout the project. Exploration and mastering of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Development of ideas through thumbnails and sketches.

Development of ideas showing connections to the artists. Development of ideas. Idea evaluation and refinement. Production of a personal response and outcome creating – 1- 2 Posters. Project evaluation.

Introduction to the theme – Give out chosen word. Exploration of typographic artists and image based designers. Artist analysis & response. Development and generation of ideas.  Production of thumbnails based upon chosen artist/ designer and inspirations. Development and refinement of ideas and understanding of the purposes. Creation of a personal response – 1 presentable outcome summarising and capturing the given word.

Exploration to the theme of Brand Identity and an introduction to the brief. Exploration of mind maps, mood boards on the theme. Exploration of the base artist.

Development of mind maps, mood boards and understanding of design in the Fragrance industry. Development of mind maps, mood boards about personal identity. Artist Analysis and Response. Monogram workshop. Photography Task – Finding inspiration and subject matter to influence the design process and making artist connections to ideas and photographs. Tie-dye workshop.

Research on chosen topic. Artist research and analysis. Experimentation with appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response and evaluation.

KS4 photography

Exploration and understanding of how to use a DSLR camera & how to create original photos. Exploration of basic camera functions (Aperture, Shutter speed, ISO) under the Perspective theme. Exploration of the pedagogical theory of John Baldessari & what makes a ‘good’ photo through experimentation with the relevant technical elements.

Exploration of what constitutes a portrait. Research of various artists who have created portraits (David Bailey). Analysis of images and the planning of photo shoots in response. Exploration and understanding of basic lighting techniques: depth of field, basic Photoshop editing, use of lighting, creating backdrops, view-points.

Exploration of how artists distort portraits. Exploration of a range of photographers, designers and artists who create distorted images. 1st hand photography through various textures and surfaces and exploitation of camera functions to respond to the theme. Manual methods to manipulate images include paper folding, splicing, weaving and Photoshop/ app based techniques.

Developing understanding of distortion through digital editing and acquisition of more complex Photoshop processes and camera functions.

Exploration of the meaning of abstraction in the context of its relation to figurative photography.

Exploration of photo manipulation techniques and composition – Cutting/ splicing/ digital editing/ recomposing/ printing/ darkroom & analogue processes.

Exploration of darkroom processes –  Lumen prints, photograms, screen-printing, pinhole cameras/ camera obscura.

Research on chosen topic. Artist research and analysis. Experimentation with appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response and evaluation.

KS4 textiles

Exploration of the topic of Recycling and the links to the Textile industry. Exploration and development of the use of texture and pattern from primary photography. Exploration of the work of Emily Botelho. Introduction and development to the techniques of hand and machine embroidery with alternative materials to create textural samples.

Research into textures, creating primary imagery and studying the embroidery artist Emily Botelho. Experimentation with textures using the sewing machine, embroidery, applique and recycled materials. Development of ideas for textures through collage, drawing and printmaking. Creation of  an A3 textile response with developed textures and patterns.

Exploration of the theme of identity through portraiture in Textiles. Development of the use of pattern through print and primary photography. Exploration of the work of  Alison Headley and Bisa Butler, creating personal responses. Development of a textile portrait which incorporates pattern and identity.

Introduction to butterfly and moth imagery, development of primary imagery. Exploration of the artist Alison Headley.  Development of a series of patterns, using the medium of printing. 

Development and planning of a portrait which explores the transformation of an individual’s identity using the pattern created. Experimentation of  quilting and dying. Development and creation of a portrait response which is at least A2 size, using the techniques developed.

Exploration of the theme of Organic Structures and the influence on the fashion and textiles industry. Exploration of designers such as Iris Van Herpen, Alexander McQueen and Issey Miyake. Development of fabric manipulation in response to primary imagery. Completion of two fashion design artist research and responses, including illustrations and textile experiments, linking to organic structures.

Exploration of bones and shells and the parallels between the natural structures and understanding through primary imagery. Further exploration of fashion designers inspired by organic structures.

Development of  textile manipulation in response to primary imagery and artist research. Design and illustration of fashion designs which incorporate fabric manipulation, annotations and processes.

Refinement of design ideas showing consideration of construction limitations, appropriate use of fabric and colour choices and the appropriate techniques. Creation of a fashion garment showing inspiration from the organic structures and designers investigated.

Research on chosen topic. Artist research and analysis. Experimentation with appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response and evaluation.

KS5 fine art

Research into the work of relevant artists such as Joseph Cornell developing an understanding of how collected items can convey a message. Focus on beliefs, ideas and interests in own world to collect relevant items. Items will be thoughtfully arranged in containers and photographed. Development of recording skills using the formal elements line and tone in large scale observational drawings. Experimentation using printmaking techniques such as mono and lino.

Development of media experimentation through further printing methods using the collagraph technique, expiration of texture & shape when creating layered collagraphs from 1st hand photographs. Exploration of drawing techniques such as gesture/blind contouring/negative space and mark making in a series of life drawing workshops and activities delivered.

Development of ideas through mind mapping & artist research and analysis. Independent ideas based on the ‘My World’ theme. Choices will be researched and presented in sketchbooks and discussed in group presentations. 1st hand resources created through new own photographs that are annotated and justified.

Recording from 1st hand photographs to create large scale oil paintings using the grid technique to ensure accurate use of proportions. Research into oil paints and making comparisons to other mediums such as acrylic paint. Exploration of ‘fat over lean’ technique, layering and colour mixing. Development of the understanding of colour grounds. Development and refinement of ideas further through research.

Production of personal response showing clear links to work of others. Exploration of media and techniques appropriate to specific ideas and intentions. Consideration of scale, proportion and application of media is a particular focus. Outcomes will show confident use of chosen medium.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response. 3000-word essay.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response. 3000-word essay.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response.

KS5 Graphic Design

Exploration of the theme of Art of Music. Understanding and the exploration of  the basics of composition and typography. Exploration of the meaning of Onomatopoeia and how this can be represented visually. Development of primary “typeface”.  Creation of “found” typography through primary photography.

Exploration of how typography can be influential in design. Understanding how images are created using only type. Production of primary photography and use of personal image reflection. Creation of a typographic design that suggests an image through its composition.

Exploration and understanding of the style of Op Art. Exploration of the influences and artists involved and its purpose in design. Develop understanding of how precision of line and design are key to clean aesthetics and how they work together for illusion design. Experimentation with shape and line to explore an optical design.

Informing design choices through a ‘client’. Creation of an ‘identity’ for the client, choosing what their style and visuals are. Creation of designs with influences from Op Art, negative space and suggestive imagery. Use of free product mock-ups to impose designs. Presentation of a range of designs that would move forward to a client presentation.

Exploration of the compositional techniques in vocal music ranging from Baroque to modern times including vocal tessituras, voice types, disjunct and conjunct movement, portamento, word painting, ground bass, falsetto, parallel harmonies, circle of fifths. Study of set works – Queen:  Killer Queen and Purcell:  Music for a While. Exploration and understanding of the design movements of Bauhaus, De Stijl and Swiss Movement. Exploration of the origins, artists, styles, key features and political involvements. Composing of research and condensing to a relevant body of text. Exploration and understanding of the anatomy and compositional elements of editorial magazine spreads. Composing own research and findings into magazine spreads with consideration for text, image, spacing and overall composition.

Exploration of design movements and decades in time, understanding social and fashion trends, design styles and aesthetics present. Develop an understanding of colour, image, typography and composition relevant to the given theme. Creation of a modern response to highlight the movement/era given that still showcases the integrity of the styles.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response. 3000-word essay.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response.

KS5 photography

Audit of skills – development and refinement of Lumen printing/ photograms and camera obscura.

Exploration of conceptual photography – developing an understanding of the message and meaning. 1st hand photography through chosen topic with clear inspiration from chosen artists and photographers.

Exploration of analogue – development of the appropriate techniques and processes showing clear inspiration from chosen artists and photographers.

Re visit of Darkroom practices – Film/Photo processing, lumen, cyanotype and photogram production.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response. 3000-word essay.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response. 3000-word essay.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response.

KS5 textiles

Exploration of how costumes communicate the details of a character’s personality to the audience, and help actors transform into new and believable people on screen or on a stage. Developing understanding of how costume designers need to be able to embody the character and their story. Exploration of the elements of design and the fundamental aspects of any visual design which include shape, colour, space, form, line, value, and texture which should be considered dependent on narrative, practicality and time periods. Research of chosen era. Creation of samples and designs that consider colour, pattern and technique to successfully portray the characters.

Development of a series of mark making/ patterns considering colour and time periods using primary photography in a variety of media from ink to stitch and using learned techniques that are appropriate. Development of a larger concept from initial ideas into concepts with drawings and annotations. Creation of  a response which answers the brief aesthetically and emotionally to connect to the story/ character you are following.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Artist research and analysis. Experimentation with appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations in the appropriate media.

Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response. 3000-word essay.

Extensive research on chosen topic. Exploration of artist research and analysis. Experimentation of appropriate media and techniques. 1st and 2nd hand observations. Development of ideas showing clear reference to the work of others. Development of ideas to a personal response. Production of personal response.