In eighth-grade visual art, students complete an exploration of the fundamental skills and concepts necessary to move into the high school program. We continue our study of drawing, painting, design, and ceramic skills. Students learn to critique their work and support others in their progress. Additionally, students are introduced to art history topics, serving as a basis for future learning. Activities are teacher-directed, but advanced students may work on side projects that are independent or cooperative in nature.
Art Department
Art 7
The expectation for visual art for seventh graders is that every student will complete the course saying, “I can make art successfully.” Successful students are ready to accomplish basic building skills that are empowering. The technique and theory driven curriculum strives to broaden the student’s definition of what art can be. We explore art as a means of communicating and celebrate the endless possibilities in creative problem-solving. Projects cover the fundamental elements and principles of design, drawing, painting, graphic design, printmaking, and ceramic skills. Activities are teacher directed, but advanced students may work on side projects that are independent, or cooperative in nature.
General Art Elective
Art 1 – Credit: 1
Art II – Credit: 1
Art III – Credit: 1
Art IV – Credit: 1
The high school program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop fundamental art making skills, while also developing their ability to approach sophisticated content in creative ways. Minor projects serve to develop specific, skill based processes, while major projects provide the opportunity for a great deal of self expression and experimentation. Instruction is individualized as much as possible, and students who exhibit mastery over fundamental processes are granted greater freedoms in the scope of the work they create.
We explore many disciplines over the year’s thematic progression; including but not limited to: drawing, the use of the computer as an art making tool, printmaking, painting, crafts, performance art, installation art, graphic design, and ceramics. Students are exposed to Art History weekly through both formal and informal lessons focusing on a variety of artists and art movements. These lessons expose students to the major figures and movements that have contributed to western and non western art history, as well as a wealth of exposure to contemporary artists. The knowledge of history and contemporary issues enables students to make educated decisions in their own work.
We participate in a variety of art making opportunities both inside and outside the building. Students are invited to participate in poster competitions, a spring art festival, major collaborative opportunities, artwork displays in the community, and other public art projects. We focus on how one’s creative, collaborative, and problem-solving talents may help in serving as a positively contributing member of society.
When a student reaches level III and IV, they may begin to develop their own style, building a mature portfolio and making clear statements through their visual form of communication. Projects continue to be new throughout the four years of high school art. Students may earn the opportunity to adjust assignments to fit their own direction while still reaching the required outcomes.
We encourage students to support their art education with scholarships to programs offered by the Moore College of Art, Tyler School of Art, The University of the Arts, the Abington Art Center, and various other local arts organizations.
Advanced Placement 2D Studio Art (Grade 11 or 12)
Not being offered for 2025-26 School Year
Prerequisites: Art I or higher, Teacher Recommendation, 90-grade average or higher in previous Art Class, Statement of Intent, Portfolio of 5 works of Art from previous year exemplifying skill level and area(s) of interest, Portfolio of 3 fully resolved major works of art completed during the summer prior to the start of the course
Strongly Recommended: To be taken in conjunction with an Independent Study Art period for the full year.
The Advanced Placement 2D Studio Art course provides advanced students with the opportunity to engage in a college level art making experience, with a focus on 2 Dimensional approaches to art making. Students are challenged to create 24 to 29 major works by May. 12 “Breadth” works exhibit a range of technical mastery in the, 12 “Concentration” works exhibit the ability to work through sophisticated conceptual ideas over a series of works. 5 “Quality” works may be taken from the other two sections or may be independent of these sections, and exhibit the highest level of quality attainable by the artist.
Portfolios are reviewed by a national panel in the spring, and high scores may qualify students for exemption from introductory level courses at some colleges/universities.
Credit: 1
Advanced Placement Drawing (Grade 11 or 12)
Not being offered for 2025-26 School Year
Prerequisites: Art I or higher, Teacher Recommendation, 90 grade average or higher in previous Art Class, Statement of Intent, Portfolio of 5 works of Art from previous year exemplifying skill level and area(s) of interest, Portfolio of 3 fully resolved major works of art completed during the summer prior to the start of the course.
Strongly Recommended: To be taken in conjunction with an Independent Study Art period for the full year.
The Advanced Placement Art: Drawing course provides advanced students with the opportunity to engage in a college level art making experience, with a focus on drawing techniques and with a strong focus on mark making in developing compositions. Students are challenged to create 24 to 29 major works by May. 12 “Breadth” works exhibit a range of technical mastery in the, 12 “Concentration” works exhibit the ability to work through sophisticated conceptual ideas over a series of works. 5 “Quality” works may be taken from the other two sections or may be independent of these sections, and exhibit the highest level of quality attainable by the artist.
Portfolios are reviewed by a national panel in the spring, and high scores may qualify students for exemption from introductory level courses at some colleges/universities.
Credit: 1
Portfolio Preparation (Grade 11 or 12)
Prerequisite: Art I and Teacher Recommendation
Those students interested in pursuing a career in visual arts are encouraged to elect Portfolio Preparation along with, or in place of Art III or IV. They gain a period each day to focus on their progress through highly challenging assignments that produce the traditional elements of a competitive portfolio. We discuss what makes a good portfolio, standards for documenting a portfolio, and opportunities offered in colleges and universities. Successful students complete the program with a well organized, well rounded portfolio that will likely be acceptable by most college programs.
Credit: .5
Independent Study Art (Grades 10, 11, and 12)
Prerequisite: Art I, Teacher Recommendation, Statement of Intent
When a student has an interest in focusing her or his efforts on one discipline and has a reputation in the high school art program for being a responsible and motivated student, he or she is eligible for Independent Study. Students are scheduled into a General Art period but follow a modified curriculum; one they have developed with the teacher. In the past, students have focused on art history, painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and sequential art.
Credit: 1
