Curriculum

Backwards Design is an effective approach to curriculum planning and designing a unit of work. The Backwards design approach is comprised of three stages:

On investigating both the Backwards By Design and Constructive Alignment approach to designing a UOW, I feel that these methods complement each other and can be effectively used together to create a successful unit of work. Our Visual Arts KLA group developed a unit of work for year 9 titled Impressions: An exploration of Impressionism with the purpose:

Students develop and apply an understanding of artist practice, the conceptual framework, and the frames to the critical and historical studies of impressionist artworks and to the development of their own impressionist BOW.

By identifying the outcomes from the syllabus and deciding on a summative assessment, we were then able to determine the evidence that we would accept as achievements of these outcomes/success criteria. From this, we were able to plan the learning and teaching experiences for the unit. The learning activities will build a foundation for the students to fulfil their assignment tasks successfully.

For example, the students will have to write a reflection which compares and contrast their work to their chosen artist. To be able to successfully complete this component of the assessment they must draw from the case studies learned in class and structure their response effectively through completion of writing tasks. Similarly, in order for the successful completion of the art making component of the assessment task, students must engage in the painting workshops, experimentation and planning in their VAPDs.