Key Stage 3 · ages 11 to 14
Key Stage 3 art and design: what your child learns
In Years 7 to 9, your child records observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media, then uses them to develop their own ideas. They work with painting and a wider range of techniques and media, such as print, collage or digital work, depending on the school. They also analyse and evaluate their own work and that of others, and study art, craft, design and architecture from ancient times to today.
Guides for parents
Key Stage 3 art and design
Analysing the work of others
How Key Stage 3 pupils learn to analyse artworks using the language of art, give reasoned judgements, and use what they find in their own work. Includes a model answer.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Ancient and classical art
What Key Stage 3 pupils may learn about prehistoric, Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, how the topic is taught, common mistakes and ways to explore it at home.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Baroque to Impressionism
A parent’s guide to Baroque, Romantic, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art at Key Stage 3, with a worked comparison, common misconceptions and ideas to try at home.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Developing ideas from observations
How Years 7 to 9 turn recorded observations into creative ideas in art: choosing, changing, combining and refining, with a worked example and ways to support a teenager.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Evaluating and improving own work
How Key Stage 3 pupils critique their own art, test changes in a sketchbook and strengthen visual impact, with a worked example and ways to support teenagers at home.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Handling different materials
How Years 7 to 9 build skill with drawing materials, clay and other 2D and 3D materials in art, with a worked example on joining clay, common mistakes and home ideas.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Medieval to Renaissance art
How Key Stage 3 pupils may study medieval and Renaissance art: Gothic cathedrals, illuminated manuscripts, perspective and famous artists, with a worked example.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Print, collage and mixed media
What Years 7 to 9 learn about print, collage, digital work and mixed media in art, how schools choose, common mistakes and cheap, safe ways to try them at home.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Modern and contemporary art
What Key Stage 3 pupils may learn about Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art and contemporary art, how to talk about art that doesn’t look real, and ways to explore it at home.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Recording observations in sketchbooks
How Years 7 to 9 learn to record what they see in sketchbooks and journals: observational drawing, tone, proportion and annotation, with advice for supporting a teenager.
Key Stage 3 art and design
Painting techniques and media
What Years 7 to 9 learn about painting: colour mixing, washes, layering and texture in watercolour and acrylic, common mistakes and cheap ways to practise at home.
Everything in the Key Stage 3 art and design curriculum
The National Curriculum topics for Key Stage 3, in the order the National Curriculum lists them.