So thanks to @sputniksteve for pointing out that my art thread wasn't actually a thread but a confusing set of random tweets, so here goes.....

Art & a Knowledge Rich Curriculum – one of the questions we’re frequently asked @stmartins & through
@knowledge_Ed is how a Knowledge rich curriculum looks like is practical subjects like art, so here’s how we do it at St Martin’s….. 1/10

@emjaybray8
is my great HOD who has developed these ideas. 1 key Q ‘How do you teach a pupil who doesn’t think they can draw, 2 become a proficient artist?’ In my experience proficient artists continue 2 be proficient but weak artists never partic improve…2/10

Also, an art curriculum usually involves a bit of everything, drawing, painting, clay work, Sculpture, mask, collage etc…… we decided to have ONE focus, portraiture. The aim to be a master of one rather than dabbling in numerous art forms (A bit controversial we realise). 3/10

So, at St Martin’s we do a 5 yr course in just portraiture, beginning with basics like the Formal Elements (SHAPE &SCALE, COMPOSITION, etc) and then we move on to precisely modelled lessons on how to draw….. an eye, ears, mouths, etc. & then practise, practise, practise. 4/10

Eventually we move on to a whole portrait. But our pupils, being novices not experts, are not skilled enough to draw from life, so we use the grid method – like stabilisers – until they become proficient (May be years away). This is &7 work 5/10

They become familiar with facial proportion and gradually over the years get a natural feel for drawing a face. They also are able to see their own progress & even formerly weak artists can draw some beautiful portraits 6/10

The result is we have pupils who, in 24 hours (The time allocated to art over Years 7 & 8), are able to become really good portrait artists. Those that go on to GCSE continue to become more expert and proficient. 7/10

Along side this, they also have to learn about artists and art movements. Much of their homework is memorising famous artists, their painting and art movements. We also visit art galleries like the National. 8/10

And the thing we’ve found, is that all pupils not only make progress but become confident artists where previously they might not even think they could draw 9/10

So, how to become a portrait artist in 24 hours..... the St Martin's knowledge rich approach with
@emjaybray8
....