Here’s a look at the exciting projects each year group has been crafting:
It’s been a great start for Year 7, who have settled in brilliantly and are already getting to grips with the Formal Elements—the essential building blocks of Art and Design. They have been exploring how line, tone, and texture can transform a flat page into a 3D form. Soon, they will be moving on to apply these foundational skills to their first major creative projects, showing off the fantastic artistic foundations they are building.
Meanwhile, Year 8 pupils are engrossed in a technical skills building unit, focusing on the intricate and detailed world of illustrator Tim Jeffs. Using tonal pencils, charcoal and mixed media techniques, they are mastering the art of mark-making to capture the incredible textures of the animal kingdom. From the rough, overlapping scales of a lizard to the delicate patterns of a wing, our pupils are developing the patience and precision required for high-level observational drawing.
In Year 9, the atmosphere is one of curiosity and discovery as pupils delve into the theme of Natural Form. They began the term by looking back at the Renaissance, channelled through the anatomical mastery of Leonardo da Vinci to create high-contrast tonal drawings of skulls.
The studios are now bursting with colour as they transition into vibrant insect studies using watercolour pencils, inspired by the botanical artist Lucy Arnold. To round off the term, they will be exploring the fluid and expressive world of Emma Dibben, learning how to use watercolour paints to capture the organic beauty of the world around us.
Year 10 & 11 are embarking on their own creative journeys with in-depth portfolio work and ambitious final pieces.
Making "WAVES": Bold Shapes and Bright Colours
Our WAVES pupils have taken a three-dimensional turn this term as pupils dive into the world of sculpture. We have been exploring the joyful, boundary-breaking work of French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, specifically her world-famous "Nanas."
These sculptures are known for their oversized forms, vibrant patterns, and celebration of life. Our pupils have been hard at work bringing their own versions to life using Modroc. This process has required great patience and messy hands as pupils built up layers over armatures to create strong, expressive figures.
Creativity Beyond the Classroom: Launching KS3 Homework Booklets
We believe that every artist needs a space to experiment, which is why we are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Art & Design Homework Booklets for Key Stage 3!
These booklets have been specially designed to keep our pupils engaged with their creative studies at home. Rather than just extra work, these booklets serve as a personal gallery and practice space, bridging the gap between our classroom studios and the world we live in.
Why Homework in Art Matters:
Building a Daily Habit: Just like a sport or an instrument, art requires regular practice. These booklets encourage pupils to sketch, observe, and refine their skills every week.
Curriculum Connections: Each task is carefully linked to what pupils are learning in class. Whether it's practicing Tim Jeffs-inspired textures in Year 8 or researching the vibrant work of Lucy Arnold in Year 9, the booklets reinforce their classroom knowledge and skills.
Independent Research: Pupils are encouraged to look deeper into the artists we study, developing their own opinions and finding new inspirations.
We have been incredibly impressed with the level of care and detail already appearing in these booklets. It’s clear that NOMA artists don’t stop creating when the school bell rings!
Top Tip for Parents: You don't need a professional studio at home to support your child. A quiet corner, a simple HB pencil, and a bit of encouragement go a long way in helping them complete their weekly creative challenges!
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