Grade 9 Visual Arts Syllabus

Discovery School
Visual Arts Syllabus: Grade 9

Course Description
The Visual Arts grade 9 is a studio course designed to further develop foundation skills for art making. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop higher level skills in the application of media, techniques and processes of art making. An emphasis is placed on developing the individual student’s approach to problems solving. The course provides for the development of skills and concepts necessary for a student to be successful in the AP (Advanced Placement) Visual Arts course.

Student Objectives
Students will:
Understand and apply a variety of media, techniques and processes used in art making.
Explore the elements of art and principles of design.
Explore the visual arts in relation to history and cultures and other academic disciplines.
Reflect on and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.
Develop a personal philosophy on the nature of beauty and the nature and value of art (aesthetics).

Expectations
Time and Duration
This class meets 55 minutes five times a week for one semesters.

Open Studio
The open studio is designed to provide concentrated work time in the studio with a teacher present as a resource. Open studio is available for students who need extra time or who have missed a class period (see Discovery absence and make up policy). An open studio schedule will be posted in the art room. Students should sign up if they plan to attend.

Homework
Students may receive specific assignments or just be asked to spend
time working on a particular in-class assignment at home. They should be
prepared to spend two to four hours a week outside of class on their work.

Sketchbook
Students will use a sketchbook as a visual journal to work through ideas, to practice
drawing and design skills, and to record their journey through this year. It is expected that students will use their sketchbooks as tools for developing and recording their ideas.

Critiques
Students are expected to participate in group and individual critiques throughout the
course.

Artistic Integrity
Originality and creativity are important components of this course. Students are expected to use artistic integrity throughout the course. It is preferred that students work from “life”. To facilitate their work, students may work from personal photographs that they themselves have taken. Other artist’s work may be used as a reference for personal artwork.

Assessment and Evaluation
Assignments will be graded on a 100% scale per Discovery School criteria.
Production – Studio Work (75%)
Based on finished work as assigned.
Sketchbook assignments, written assignments, practice exercises
All work is graded using evaluation rubrics reflecting concept/creativity, skill/craftsmanship, knowledge and understanding.
Participation (25%)
Regular attendance is mandatory.
Use of in-class time.
Attention to lectures, directions and demonstrations.
Participation in critical discussion.
Proper safe use of materials and equipment.
Cleanup responsibilities and storage of work.
Demonstrates respect for all.

Supplies
Many supplies and basic equipment will be provided by the school, but some
supplies will need to be purchased by each student.

Parents wishing to give a gift to their artist, or students wishing to acquire some personal materials might consider the following (materials in bold are required):

Sketchbook workbook journal (Purchased through the school in grade 9)
Pencils #2
Ebony pencil
Charcoal pencils of varying hardness
Erasers – kneaded, Pink Pearl
Pencil sharpener
Ruler
Course Content
Students will complete two and three dimensional works. They will work with a variety of drawing tools and techniques, water based paints, printing processes and 3D techniques – constructing and modeling. Students will explore art in relation to history and cultures.