Year 7 Art & Design

Unit Content

Unit 1

Composite creatures

This unit centres on two-dimensional visual language and introduces students to the fantastical work of the New York-based artist Sean Dunstan-Halliday. Students take inspiration from this artist’s work and develop their own ideas for a ‘composite creature’, while learning basic two-dimensional, visual language skills in wet and dry media.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing how research and investigation can inspire and inform personal interpretation
  • Understanding the importance of planning and designing
  • Understanding basic colour theory

Key skills developed:

  • How to draw using simple shapes
  • How to use mark-making to create visual texture
  • How to create tonal range
  • How to analyse and evaluate our own work and that of other artists

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively at Weeks 5 and 10 of the 12-week unit against an established checklist of criteria. A baseline assessment of dexterity and fine motor skill is conducted early in the unit to facilitate planning and support. Assessment is this unit is designed to support progress and build confidence for all students, regardless of their fine motor skills or prior knowledge.

Unit 2 

Children's book illustration

This unit builds skills in two-dimensional visual language and introduces students to the work of the world-renowned author, designer and illustrator Eric Carle.  Students take inspiration from this artist’s work and develop their own ideas for a large-scale piece destined for the school gallery. In this unit the use of scale, colour theory and wet media expand and develop to include large brushes and expressive brush stroke.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing how research and investigation can inspire and inform personal interpretation
  • Understanding the importance of planning and designing
  • Understanding the importance of teamwork and collaboration

Key skills developed:

  • How to use mark-making with large brushes and expressive techniques
  • How to create tonal range through the application of acrylic paint
  • How to apply colour theory to practical work to create vibrant and balanced depictions
  • How to analyse and evaluate our own work and that of other artists

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively at Weeks 5 and 10 of the 12-week unit against an established checklist of criteria. A baseline assessment of dexterity and fine motor skill is conducted early in the unit to facilitate planning and support. Assessment is this unit is designed to support progress and build confidence for all students, regardless of their fine motor skills or prior knowledge.