Year 9 Art & Design

Unit Content

Unit 1

Canons of art

This unit centres on understanding canonic artworks from across the globe, and on collaboration through a shared intention. Students work together to depict one of the canonic works in large-scale acrylic. Through this process they expand their understanding of acrylic painting and move towards a realistic interpretation.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing how research and investigation can inform a deeper understanding of artistic and aesthetic style
  • Understanding the importance of planning, designing and teamwork

Key skills developed:

  • How to research information on artworks from across the globe
  • How to use acrylic to achieve realism
  • How to measure visually and to scale-up an image
  • 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 

Prints of the world

This unit centres on understanding printmaking from a range of cultures. Students explore printmaking techniques and create and print their own motif, based on a culture of their choice.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Understanding how research and investigation can inform a deeper understanding of aesthetic style in printing
  • Understanding the importance of planning and designing
  • Knowing how problem solving and iteration can achieve a desired outcome

Key skills developed:

  • How to use polyblock, lino, monoprint, collagraph and dry-point etching
  • How to design a motif and organise it into a repeat pattern
  • 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 3

Street art

This unit introduces students to street art and some of the most exciting artists associated with this genre. Students look at the life and works of Banksy, Basquiat and Lady Pink. The unit is designed to connect young people with art that centres on independence and public visibility, allowing for space to discuss and consider the message their own art might have; who it could be destined for and the public stage it might be seen on. This unit builds on visual language skills but is predominately designed to discuss art that sometimes sits on the periphery of society yet plays an important role in unity, belonging and diversity.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing how research can inspire and inform personal interpretation
  • Understanding the importance of art on a wider platform
  • Understanding the genre of street art and discovering our own thoughts and feelings about it

Key skills developed:

  • How to generate a message or statement
  • How to use colour in creative and surprising ways
  • How to produce work for a particular site or venue

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.