Art & Design at Monkton Wood Academy is a dynamic and inspiring subject designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical skill. Our curriculum provides students with a broad and balanced experience, encouraging exploration across a wide range of media, techniques, and artistic concepts. Through engaging projects and exposure to diverse artists and cultures, students develop both their practical abilities and their understanding of visual language.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, students embark on a journey of artistic discovery through themed projects that build foundational skills and encourage personal expression.
Year 7
Project: Natural Forms
Students learn to observe and record natural objects, focusing on line, shape, and texture. They study artists such as Jess Phoenix or Caroline Kaufman, creating paintings inspired by organic forms.
Project: Ethnology
This project explores cultural art forms, such as Chinese Ming vases and Islamic art. Students examine symbolism, such as the Hamsa hand, and create work that reflects their understanding of cultural aesthetics.
Year 8
Project: Creatures and Characters
Students explore colour theory and character design, inspired by artists like Derek DeYoung and Sean Charmatz. They develop drawing and design skills, using tone and colour to create depth.
Project: Landscapes and Texture
Focusing on perspective and surface quality, students study artists such as Rebecca Vincent and Boris Draschoff, producing textured landscape artworks.
Year 9
Project: Signs of Our Times
Students are introduced to modern art movements, particularly Pop Art. They analyse the work of artists such as Karan Singh and produce silkscreen prints that reflect contemporary themes.
Project: Portraits and Identity
Exploring facial proportions and identity, students study artists like Luke Dixon and Adekunle Adeleke. They create expressive portrait drawings using bold colour and mixed media.
Throughout both key stages, students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice, engage with contemporary and historical art, and reflect critically on their work. The curriculum is designed to nurture creativity, resilience, and confidence, preparing students for further study or careers in the creative industries.
Key Stage 4 – GCSE Art & Design (AQA)
At Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA GCSE Art & Design specification, developing a personal portfolio and responding to externally set assignments.
Year 10
Unit 1a: Coursework Portfolio
Students respond to a range of starting points and project briefs, demonstrating critical understanding of sources. They experiment with media including drawing, painting, printmaking, digital media, and sculpture. Emphasis is placed on refining techniques and documenting their creative journey.
Unit 1b: Continued Portfolio Development
Students deepen their research and refine their ideas, producing work that meets assessment objectives. They maintain a sketchbook or digital portfolio to record their progress and artistic decisions.
Year 11
Unit 1b: Final Coursework Completion
Students finalise their portfolio, ensuring it reflects a personal and meaningful response to their chosen themes.
Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment (ESA)
Students respond to a starting point provided by AQA, producing preparatory work and a final piece under exam conditions. This component assesses their ability to work independently, experiment with media, and communicate ideas effectively.
Throughout both key stages, students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice, engage with contemporary and historical art, and reflect critically on their work. The curriculum is designed to nurture creativity, resilience, and confidence, preparing students for further study or careers in the creative industries.
