Year 7 Creative
Arts Options
2016 – 2017
Pupil Guide
Introduction
In Year 7 pupils are able to choose from a range of subjects in the Creative Arts. These subjects will either
be continued in Year 8 or new subjects may be chosen. This booklet aims to give you details of the
subjects which you can choose for your Creative Arts Options in Year 7. You will study your chosen
subjects throughout the whole of Year 7. There are eight subjects for you to choose from and this booklet
will give you information about each one. Please read through this booklet carefully before making your
preferred choices.
Hannah Wilson
Deputy Head Teacher Curriculum
How to make your choices?
Once you have made your decision you need to let us know your two preferred choices and a reserve
choice. The best way to do this is to select your options on the ‘New Students’ section of the school
website; alternatively please contact Mrs T Smith. Please let us know your choices as soon as possible and
no later than Friday 1st April 2016.
For further information, please contact:
Miss H Wilson – Deputy Head Teacher Curriculum
E-mail: [email protected]
To email your choices, please contact:
Mrs T Smith - Director of Year 7 and Transition Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Year 7 Options
Art
In the first term you will learn to draw mainly with a pencil. You will then spend term two learning how to
paint with various media including watercolour paint, brush ink, ready-mix paint and acrylic paint. In term
three you will learn to ‘make’ using clay, wire, cardboard and recycled materials. Alongside learning to
draw, paint and ‘make’ you will get inspiration from different artists. You will learn to express ourselves
and learn all the skills to produce excellent art work.
Computing
In year 7 you will have the opportunity to work in small teams on projects as well as on your own. The
topics taught in year 7 are listed below.
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3D modelling: Learn how to create computer generated worlds in 3D using either Minecraft or
Google Sketchup.
Controlling robots: Learn how to program a bigtrack robot on the surface of Mars.
Games programming: Create a game using scratch as your programming language.
Hacking with python: Moving on from scratch, you will use a programming language called Python
to create programs just like real games programmers use.
How to build a computer: Learn how to build a computer and make it work.
Creating video and sound: You will learn how to combine video, photos and audio to make a single
product.
Dance
Dance is suitable for anyone who enjoys performing and creating movement. You will explore different
styles of dance and have the opportunity to perform to an audience. In creative sessions you will learn
how to choreograph dances and look at professional dance works. Throughout the year you will develop
your technique, confidence and critical thinking skills.
Design
In Design you will be working in three subject areas, Graphics, Resistant Materials and Textiles. You will
develop practical skills and build specific subject knowledge.
In Graphics, you will focus on the development of good graphic and communication skills together with
the organisational and planning skills used in the ‘design and make’ situation. You will study how graphics
are used in newspapers, magazines, television, product decoration and product design.
In Resistant Materials you will study the design and making of products using a range of materials such as
wood, metals and plastics. You will combine technological knowledge and practical skills along with
creativity to solve problems and design products for human needs.
Textiles is a practical course that allows you to explore your creative side. The main purpose of Textiles is
to develop your ability to appreciate the visual world and respond in a personal and creative way. You’ll
find out about a whole range of different media, techniques and processes, allowing you to express
yourself in a range of different ways.
Drama
Drama in Year 7 will involve you learning and exploring acting and teamwork skills. You will do this
through drama games and physical theatre. You will learn how to create and perform a character. You will
create drama each week in teams and you will have the opportunity to explore your own ideas. Drama will
also help you to get to know people better and grow in confidence.
Film and Media
In Year 7, you will be introduced to media studies and its relevance to the world and everyday life. As part
of this introduction, you learn about the media and its three platforms: print, broadcast and e media. In
these studies, the main focus is on the codes and conventions of media forms and the way meaning is
encoded to audiences. An introduction to the following areas are covered:
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Print – advertisements, film posters and magazines
Broadcast - film trailers and audio/visual advertising
E media – websites and social networking
Home Cooking Skills
Food preparation and nutrition.
This option is suitable both for beginners and those who have cooked before. The course is split into three
areas: cooking, nutrition and ingredients. You will learn where food comes from, how to cook a range of
dishes safely and hygienically and to apply your knowledge of healthy eating.
Aims of the course:
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To develop knowledge and understanding of ingredients and healthy eating;
To develop skills and confidence in food preparation and cooking techniques;
To develop your knowledge of consumer food and drink choice;
To apply your knowledge to make informed choices;
To develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks
confidently;
To build a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high
quality products for a wide range of users;
To evaluate and test your ideas and products and the work of others.
Music
You will discover the conventions and contexts of a variety of musical genres through listening, performing
and composing. You will listen to music ranging from Indian to Hip Hop and from Classical to 21st Century.
You will also have the opportunity to write your own music using specialist software. You will perform
using a range of musical instruments including keyboards, drum kit and guitars.