Year 7 art introduces the main media in turn - drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media - so students find what they are good at before options. The skills it builds are transferable: observation, planning a piece, and finishing to a deadline. Keeping a sketchbook from Year 7 matters more than any single project, because GCSE marks the process as much as the outcome.

For context: 62% of pupils in England met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at key stage 2 in 2025, up from 61% in 2024. — DfE, Key stage 2 attainment, 2025

Year 7 marks a pivotal stage in educational growth, where students begin to explore the expansive world of art and design. This blog post delves into the various mediums such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media that Year 7 students encounter. We will also highlight the significant benefits that studying art and design can bring to young learners.

What Is Art and Design in Year 7?

Art and design education in Year 7 serves as a foundation for developing various artistic skills and understanding different materials and techniques. Here’s what students typically learn:

What is drawing?

- Contour Drawing: Focuses on the edges and outlines of objects.

- Gesture Drawing: Captures the action and fluidity of subjects.

- Still Life Drawing: Helps in understanding shapes and perspectives through inanimate objects.

What is painting?

- Watercolor Techniques: Known for its delicate and transparent layers.

- Acrylic Painting: Offers vibrant colors and quick drying times.

- Oil Painting: Valued for its texture and depth of color.

What is printmaking?

- Relief Printing: Involves printing from a raised surface.

- Intaglio Printing: Known for its ability to capture fine details.

- Screen Printing: Popular for its versatility in design and color.

What is sculpture?

- Carving: Involves subtracting material to create forms.

- Modeling: The art of shaping pliable materials.

- Casting: Techniques for making replicas using molds.

What are mixed media?

- Combines various artistic mediums to create complex and textured effects. This approach encourages creativity and flexibility in using materials.

What Are the Benefits of Studying Art and Design?

The advantages of engaging with art and design are profound and diverse. Here are some key benefits:

Why does improved creativity matter?

- Exposure to multiple art forms enhances creativity and broadens the ability to conceptualize and visualize.

Why do enhanced fine motor skills matter?

- Regular practice of detailed art techniques improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor precision.

Why do advanced problem-solving skills matter?

- Art challenges students to think critically and solve problems creatively, skills that are transferable to any academic or life situation.

What should you do next?

Art and design in Year 7 are not just about learning to create; they are about setting the foundation for innovative thinking, skill development, and personal expression. As students explore different mediums and tackle various artistic challenges, they gain invaluable skills that transcend the classroom. Art education thus plays a crucial role in shaping well-rounded, creative individuals ready to face the dynamic demands of the future.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about your own school?

The national curriculum binds maintained schools, but academies and private schools do not have to follow it — so what your child is actually taught, and when, can differ from what is described here. Your school’s own curriculum plan is the authority for your child.

What has to be taught is set nationally:

“The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools so children learn the same things.” — gov.uk, The national curriculum

What research supports these methods?

The study techniques on this page are not our opinion. Each comes from published cognitive-science research, linked here so you can read the original: