This presentation takes you through a range of examples of how perspective systems have been used in Art from pre-Renaissance to Cubism and gives short accompanying texts to explain the developments. Originally devised for a year 9 class, this presentation has been useful in giving context to KS4 and 5 classes developing drawing and painting skills and also as a way of introducing Cubism in a meaningful way. With a good range of images to illustrate different forms of perspective, the presentation is useful for generating discussion and improving art historical understanding.

A presentation and accompanying worksheet / booklet for use with students when reviewing an exhibition. This was designed for KS3 students looking at a GCSE Art exhibition in the school, but could be used for GCSE students exploring an A level show, or for a class visiting an exhibition at a museum or gallery. There are three versions of the worksheet which have been differentiated for lower, mid and high ability students. The lesson finishes with students sharing their reviews and giving feedback to one another. I have found this to be a successful way to structure and focus the opportunity of getting students to look at the artwork of those in the years above (and incidentally to get them excited about studying Art at GCSE themselves!).

Designed initially to support year 12 students with sketchbook annotation, this presentation has also been useful with GCSE and year 13 artists. The presentation provides some discussion points and also some clear directions of the 'what not to do’s of sketchbook annotation. Students are asked to look at some examples of sketchbook annotation, so it is useful if you have some old books - good or not - for analysis and discussion. If not, there are two examples in the presentation you can use. The presentation asks students to then look at their own sketchbooks and set their own independent study task, using what they have learnt. I have found this to be a successful starter for lessons, taking about 25 minutes and encouraging independence.

I put together these artist quotes to develop students’ understanding of what drawing can be and why it is important in art. The powerpoint can be printed as individual sheets and displayed in the classroom. Eleven thought-provoking quotes.

This is a powerpoint presentation of photographs of a successful Foundation application portfolio. The sheets are A1 in reality but they have been photographed and put into a presentation to show students preparing their own portfolio as guidance, example and discussion points. The portfolio was accepted to Central St Martins, along with other universities to study on a Foundation course.

A level art and design students have found the Pecha Kucha format a useful way to get edit their ideas and thoughts ready for peer critique sessions. They have developed skills in speaking about their work as well as found the process of selecting and combining images helpful. This presentation introduces the format with a little background, instructions on putting together the powerpoint and then provides an exemplar.

This unit of work was designed for KS3 and includes background information on tulips as a Turkish cultural symbol. The project develops through drawing and painting lessons, on to design, and then collage work leading to the final lessons building a relief tile in clay, and then glazing. Each lesson has a powerpoint presentation and there are accompanying worksheets, starters and extension tasks as necessary. In all, the unit covers 7 lessons including a final one on evaluation. This is a fairly speedy project and could easily be extended to cover more lessons. Initial primary observation lessons use real tulips to draw from, though this could be adapted to work from secondary imagery. The lessons feature elements on design, pattern and symmetry. This project has been really successful in providing for a range of skills and students have produced results that they are very proud of!

This lesson starts with a little scientific introduction on snowflakes and then gives step by step instructions on how to cut beautiful hexagonal paper snowflakes (much better than the doily type you may have seen before!). There are example templates you can print out to help with differentiation. Students are blown away by what they’ve made and the resulting flakes can be displayed on black sugar paper or hung in the classroom (try darkening the room and using a torch to explore the shadows…). Perfect for a one-off lesson in science, design or art, or a tutor group session - without too many fiddly resources!

These learning disposition stickers have been useful in my Art lessons to make the skills we are developing in a lesson explicit to students. They have been incorporated in the lesson objectives and the plenary and as a result, students have become more resilient in their approach to challenges in their work. Developed from Building Learning Power reading, I have found this language has been effective in improving attitudes to learning. Sticker sheets can be printed onto Avery L7651 stickers . This presentation could also be adapted for use in staff training / CPD.

This works best with a group between 5 to 15 students. You can use it as a prompt to consider what creativity means or as a way of getting students to think a bit more laterally… or just to bring a bit of energy to their ideas about a new theme. I have used this ‘creativity test’ with GCSE and A level students but never as a serious graded test - it is intended more as a fun or provocative activity. It is based on one way of assessing creativity where you consider four categories of thinking: orginality, fluency, flexibility and elaboration. The scoring (instructions are in the presentation) can take some time, but once students get the hang it gets quicker. The presentation gives an example at the beginning and then you give students a fixed time (say 3 minutes) to write uses for each new object (without discussing). It could be an interesting starter for a CPD event too…

This lesson is designed to give structure to a standard GCSE art project lesson where students are working on individual projects. The format asks students to identify priorities initially and then specify what they should achieve in the lesson. The plenary reviews this, and then sets home learning that arises. The aim is to encourage students to take personal responsibility for their projects and to avoid procrastination during the lesson! There are 4 slides in the powerpoint which should be printed off (possibly laminated for repeated use) and used by students to help identify their personal priorities. Each slide looks at an assessment objective and explains what it is asking for as well as some ‘top tips’ for achieving good marks. The lesson would work well after an interim assessment, or when you feel the class needs more urgency/momentum. I have also used this in an observed lesson to ensure it is clear how students are making progress. A copy of slide number 11 should be printed off for each student.

This is a one-page handout designed for GCSE Art and Design students to support them in pacing themselves through the preparation period for their exam. The sheet gives week by week advice on what they should be doing in order to arrive at the exam day ready! Students can use the sheet to support independent study and to tick off as they complete tasks. It is also a useful way of communicating the expected progress students should be making to parents… This sheet could also be easily adapted for A level students if needed. A quick an easy sheet to photocopy and pop in sketchbooks to get young artists off to an enthusiastic start with their exam. I have uploaded a Word version so you can edit it (this one is for AQA exam board and mentions in week 1 that students should choose their question) or the more ‘designed’ version which is a PDF (printable as an A3 poster).

This poster can be printed A3 or A4 sized for display in the classroom or for handing out for students. A helpful reminder of the elements needed to put together a successful project for GCSE students. Although not expressed in terms of the assessment objectives (for a change!), the elements correspond to the requirements of the exam board specifications, and present the information in a new and accessible way.

A single sheet with questions to provide a framework for meaning project evaluation for GCSE and A level art students. The powerpoint sheet can be incorporated into other presentations or printed off for students to keep at the back of sketchbooks and use independently.

A useful reminder to students of the elements needed for a brilliant art project. Not written in terms of assessment objectives (for a change!) this infographic does correspond to the AO's but designed to present a more intuitive process, reminding students of the balance of research, skill and creativity required.

This is a four-page resource on Anna Atkins. You can photocopy back to back and laminate for repeated use. I have included three tasks and evaluation questions. Also, source images of shells and plants for students to work from if they do not have objects for primary observation. Can be used as a cover lesson during a relevant project (photograms, natural forms, shape…). Also as an extension activity, or as a whole class task. Students are asked to read the information about the artist then answer questions, then show their visual understanding by making first a tonal shell drawing, then a cut paper leaf or plant. The evaluation questions ask them to compare. A great lesson for introducing a pioneering woman artist and scientist whose work is inspiring for young people.

This mind-map on the theme of POWER provides links to over 50 artists from varied times and places. Organised with sub-themes, this resource is a great way of supporting students individual investigations and introducing them to diverse approaches to the theme. You can print as an A3 poster or an A4 handout, or use the pdf document on screen so that the artists names hyperlink to relevant websites to develop research further.

Looking for a great way to start off your GCSE art project? These seven mind-maps cover the themes: Portrait, Curved and Straight, Fragments, Integrate, Image and Word, Places and Spaces, Celebration. A fantastic resource to support student exploration; combining artists and ideas with imagery to provoke initial investigations. You can print and display or handout the sheets, or share the document with students on the computer and they can click on the artist names/images to link directly to examples of relevant work on the internet. Saves time all round!! The sheets cover a range of artists and designers from different time periods, working in different media…

Looking for a great way to start off your GCSE art project? These seven mind-maps cover the themes: Portrait, Entwined, Fragments, Boundaries Borders and Edges, Transport, Places and Spaces, Celebration. A fantastic resource to support student exploration; combining artists and ideas with imagery to provoke initial investigations. You can print and display or handout the sheets, or share the document with students on the computer and they can click on the artist names/images to link directly to examples of relevant work on the internet. Saves time all round!! The sheets cover a range of artists and designers from different time periods, working in different media…