Visual Arts Teacher, Secondary British curriculum
KS3
At KS3 I like to use artist and designers as starting points to develop SoW, which allow students to explore a range of media. The intention is to develop their skill level and getting them to engage in a more profound way with some of the context surrounding the artwork. It often forms the basis of discussion and gives students the space to ask questions.
Year 7 Visual
Sow
For this unit of work, I planned a cross curricular SoW designed for year 7's. My intentions were to get students to reflect on their sense of identity. With the support of the science department, they collected cheek cells which they examined through microscopes. This formed the basis for observational drawings. Using the work of Thierry Olivier, they further refined these drawings and created lino prints, enhanced with the method of Shin Colle.
Cells and identity
Year 8 Visual
Sow
Abstract
landscape
An introduction to abstract art. Year 8 used as source of inspiration, the landscapes of Ibiza to develop embroidery outcomes based on the work of Hundertwasser and Victoria Potrovitza. They developed a series of observational drawings in a range of media of their environment. They were challenged to record their surrounding using mark making skills. Once recorded, sections of their landscapes was enlarged and simplified. The final outcome is a colourful and personal embroidery piece.
Year 7 Visual
Sow
Totems
For this SoW based on the work on Niki de St Phalle, students were introduced to Nouveau realism. Each sculpture measures approximately 60cm and were constructed using wire , mod rock and paper mache. Students worked collaboratively in order to combine their pets to form a totem in the style of the artist. They used photography of their animals to develop their observational drawing skills. They then stylised their drawings and in pairs, they designed their sculpture before beginning the construction phase. Once introduced to colour theory, students painted their totems using acrylics.
