All Eastbrook School Visual Arts students are taught critical thinking skills and how to apply this to the research and investigation of sources. This contributes to excellence in Assessment Objective 1 of the exam board assessment criteria. Here we can see the work of Year 10 GCSE Art & Design students, analysing and comparing the work of two artists, Brno Del Zou and David Hockney. Both artists make photographic portraits using ‘joiners’.

In groups, students described the output of the two artists before comparing the work, noting similarities and differences. This sequenced approach removes the cognitive overload of new information and allows students the opportunity to work in a scaffolded way, according to their ability. Higher order questioning was used, in order to tease out prior learning and promote highly developed critical thinking.

Groups then shared their analysis, giving everyone a chance to glean more information from the thinking of others. Students will now use these notes to create independent presentations.

Well done Year 10s, we are PROUD of your ability to think in a critical way!