Grade 6

The sixth grade art program follows the Art Standards created by the New York State Department of Education: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. Students are involved in a variety of activities and discussions focusing on these areas. Students have experiences in two-dimensional design as well as in creating objects that have volume and weight. Students are expected to create artwork and to respond to the artwork of their peers and of artists from their own and other cultures.

Visual Arts units include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Two-dimensional problems studying concepts of color, scale, and proportion
• Basic drawing skills enhancing an understanding of line, texture, shape, and form as elements of design
• Three-dimensional problems through sculptural forms in ceramics
• Valuing processes in Art

Grade 7

The Art program for seventh graders follows the Art Standards created by the New York State Department of Education: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. The objectives for these standards are met by providing students with a variety of two and three-dimensional experiences. With an Art historical context, the Art program provides for creative self-expression while continuing to develop technical skills.

Visual Arts units include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Two-dimensional design problems
• Representation of depth in two dimensions
• Use of one-point perspective
• Drawing skills, observation, and imagination
• Sculptural forms

Grade 8

The Art program for eighth graders follows the Art Standards created by the New York State Department of Education: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. The objectives for these standards are met by providing students with a variety of appropriate two and three-dimensional experiences. Within an Art historical context, the Art program provides for creative self-expression while continuing to develop technical skills. The Art program takes into consideration the wide range of developmental, social and intellectual levels typical of adolescents. Students are provided with experiences that encourage them to search for meaning, recognize cultural characteristics, and to refine craftsmanship.

Visual Arts units include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Two dimensional design problems
• Drawing skills, observation, and imagination
• Studies in ceramics and plaster

Single-Grade Acceleration: Studio in Art

Seventh-grade students who demonstrate strong performance in sixth- and seventh-grade art courses are eligible to apply for Studio in Art enrollment in Grade 8.

• A take-home entrance exam is offered to all students in the winter of seventh grade and available through the art teachers and school counseling office. Students have one month to complete and submit the entrance exam.
• Families of students selected to enroll in the course will be notified in the spring.
• A great deal of independent work is expected from Studio in Art students. Appropriate preparation, classroom behavior, participation and respect for each other will be considered in selecting students for this program.
• Studio in Art is a high school level foundation course. High school students who wish to enroll in one of the more advanced Art courses must successfully complete one of three foundation courses: Studio in Art, 3D Design 1, or Studio in Media Arts. Students will receive one full credit towards high school graduation if they successfully fulfill course requirements.
• This course is structured to meet the New York State Education Department art requirement for graduation and is a foundation course.
• The prospective art major can investigate his/her personal talents, abilities, and interests through a series of explorations in drawing, three-dimensional design, graphics, and the elements of art. The elements of art are fundamental and common to all forms of visual expression. They are line, form, texture, space, and color. Any student electing advanced art courses will be expected to have a good understanding of these elements.
• Studio in Art is offered at SOMS.
• The high school minimum attendance policy applies to this course.