Year 7 Art
What students learn this year:
In Year 7, pupils EXPLORE the foundations of Art and Design. They develop observational drawing and making skills while learning how formal elements such as line, shape, tone, form, colour, texture, pattern, space and composition can be used to create artwork.
Across the year pupils move from observing and recording, to experimenting with materials and processes, and finally to combining skills and personal ideas within more sustained outcomes.
Term overview:
| Term | Main topics/units | Key knowledge and skills |
| Autmn | Constructed Still Life | Observation, line tone, shape, form, construction, light, viewpoint and composition |
| Spring | Insects and Natural Forms | Colour, texture, pattern, close observation, print and textile development |
| Summer |
Who Am I? Identity and Portraiture |
Facial proportion, grid line, tone, colour, portraiture, identity and composition |
How learning and progress are checked
Lessons combine teacher modelling, practical making, questioning, discussion and reflection.
Key knowledge and skills are revisited across the year so pupils can build control and confidence.
Assessment is mainly formative and takes place throughout lessons and projects. Teachers assess pupils through observation of practical work, questioning, discussion, demonstrations and review of sketchbooks and outcomes.
Baseline tasks identify pupils' starting points and DIT gives pupils time to act on feedback and make a visible improvement.
Assessment in this year group:
| Type of Assessment | Approx. Frequency / when | What it is used for |
| Sketchbook and classwork review | Ongoing | To check practical skills, knowledge and progress |
| Practical checkpoint | During each project | To identify strengths and next steps |
| DIT | Each half term | To make a visible practical improvement following feedback |
| Project outcome | End of each project | To review skills, ideas, experimentation and refinement |
Homework and Independent study
How often is homework set?
Homework is set purposefully to support learning in class.
Typical length per task
Around 30 minutes.
Suggested independent study
Pupils are encouraged to practise drawing, review sketchbook work and engage with art through galleries, museums, exhibitions, books and digital platforms.
How parents and carers can support:
Encourage regular drawing or creative practice, support organisation of sketchbooks and homework and promote a positive attitude towards experimentation and improvement.
Support, stretch and enrichment:
Support for students who need extra help
Clear demonstrations, visual examples, scaffolded resources and targeted support help pupils access the same curriculum and make progress.
Stretch & challenge:
More confident pupils are encouraged to experiment further, work with increasing independence and refine work to a higher standard.
Clubs / trips / extra opportunities
Pupils can access open studio opportunities, Art Club, student showcases, exhibitions and Art Ambassador opportunities.