Year 9 Art & Design

Unit Content

Unit 1

This is me: painted portraits

Students independently select and investigate the work and context of an artist as stimulus for their own observational drawing and self-portaits. They use layered paint techniques to develop their outcomes. The unit emphasises the visual connections students make between their own work and that of others, while teaching them to develop skills in media experimentation.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Understanding the work of others using tools of visual analysis and sophisticated vocabulary
  • Understanding from direct observation how tonal value and layering in paint can be used to portray skin tone
  • Understanding how 2D ideas can be realised using watercolour, gouache and acrylic to create the impression of 3D human forms

Key skills developed:

  • How to write descriptive visual analysis which informs independent outcomes
  • How to paint from direct observation in layers from light to dark applying tonal complexity
  • How to build layers in three different wet media to describe a 3D human face using value, saturation and detail in one chosen medium

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively at Weeks 5 and 10 of the 12-week unit against an established checklist of criteria. Summative assessment and feedback are based on progress made towards the expected standard, which is articulated through a series of 'I can' statements.

Unit 2 

This is me: the museum of me

Students independently select and derive visual inspiration from a portrait artist. They explore various media and develop a broad range of self-portrait outcomes. The unit emphasises students’ independent selection of media, processes and techniques and enables them to develop and define their own visual voice. Students learn to synthesise prior learning and independent research to achieve their desired outcomes.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Understanding how to develop an independent visual voice in response to the work of others
  • Understanding how to select appropriate tools, media and materials to realise independent intentions
  • Understanding how to synthesise prior learning and independent research to achieve their desired outcomes

Key skills developed:

  • How to plan for and curate a series of independent outcomes to create a handmade book of self-portrait studies
  • How to select and use a range of previously studied techniques in wet and dry media appropriate to the purpose
  • How to respond to the work of others to realise personal creative outcomes

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively at Weeks 5 and 10 of the 12-week unit against an established checklist of criteria. Summative assessment and feedback are based on progress made towards the expected standard, which is articulated through a series of 'I can' statements.