Year 9 Art
What students learn this year:
In Year 9 Art, students explore the theme Art & Power, developing practical skills and creative confidence through portraiture, 3D sculpture, protest art, typography, collage and printmaking. Students learn how artists communicate meaning through identity, symbolism, and visual impact, while creating ambitious personal responses.
Term overview:
|
Term / Half-term |
Main topics / units |
Key knowledge & skills |
|
Autumn 1 |
Portraiture |
Proportion workshops, expressive drawing, line and tone, artist research, identity through portraiture |
|
Autumn 2 |
Big Build: 3D Portraiture |
Form and structure, large-scale cardboard construction, cutting/slotting/assembling, surface development and finish |
|
Spring 1 |
Typography & Protest |
Typography as art, layout and hierarchy, colour for impact, combining text and image, collage experiments |
|
Spring 2 |
Protest Posters: Shape & Power |
Symbolism and message, bold shape and composition, stencil techniques, mixed media development, final protest poster/banner |
|
Summer 1 |
Architecture: Collage & Print (“The Creative Act”) |
Architecture photography, observational drawing, photomontage collage, experimental printmaking, creative risk-taking |
|
Summer 2 |
Architecture: Layered Printmaking (Final Outcome) |
Abstraction and simplification, layering and space, refining composition, print development, final mixed media architecture outcome |
How learning and progress are checked
Assessment is based on sketchbook development, experimentation, and final outcomes at the end of each unit. Students receive formative feedback during lessons and summative feedback at key checkpoints to help them improve technical skill, refine ideas and work more independently.
Assessment in this year group:
|
Type of assessment |
Approx. frequency / when |
What it is used for |
|
Sketchbook & classwork review |
Ongoing |
To assess skill development, idea generation, and understanding of techniques |
|
Midpoint practical tasks |
Once per half-term |
To check progress and provide targeted feedback |
|
End-of-project outcomes |
Each half-term |
To assess application of skills, creativity, and refinement |
|
End-of-year assessment |
Summer term |
To provide an overview of progress across the year culminating in an end of year exhibition of work. |
Homework and Independent study
How often is homework set?
Homework supports class learning and is set regularly to compliment the development of the project and improve pupil skill.
Typical length per task:
Around 30 minutes.
Suggested independent study:
Students are encouraged to practice drawing, develop ideas in their sketchbooks, and engage with art and visual culture through galleries, museums, books, and digital platforms. Looking at artists from different cultures helps students develop understanding and inspiration. Pupils are encouraged to visit a range of websites including tate.org, artnet.com, thisiscolossal.com and artsy.com
How parents and carers can support:
Encourage pupils to practice drawing at home, talk about artists/themes, and support good organisation of sketchbooks and homework. Visiting galleries or exploring art online also helps build confidence and inspiration. Pupils are encouraged to visit a range of websites including tate.org, artnet.com, thisiscolossal.com and artsy.com
Support, stretch and enrichment:
Support for students who need extra help
Teaching is inclusive and carefully structured, with clear demonstrations, differentiated tasks, and additional guidance where needed. Scaffolded resources and targeted support help all students access learning and make progress.
Stretch & challenge:
More confident students are encouraged to take creative risks, work with greater independence, and develop personal ideas through extended experimentation and refinement. Challenge is built through independent development and ambitious outcomes.
Clubs / trips / extra opportunities
Pupils are welcome to use the Art department’s open studio provision on most days after school, giving them time and space to explore materials, develop ideas, or complete work in a supported environment. Art Club, student showcases, an end-of-year exhibition and the introduction of Art Ambassadors offer further opportunities to celebrate creativity, build confidence, and take on leadership roles within the department.