Topic title: Typography
Year group: 7
When taught: September – October
What are we learning?
How Typography and letterforms are used creatively to communicate.
Why is this important to know?
Typography and the creative use of lettering is an enjoyable way to build confidence in drawing line and shape, while also supporting pupils to express themselves visually. Typography also introduces the study of artists, helping students to build their confidence in using art specific vocabulary. It also links to other artistic career pathways such as graphic communication and design.
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
With Typography, students build a deeper awareness of something that they already encounter on a daily basis. It also helps to embed important aspects of future learning such as developing drawing skill, colour blending skill, analysis of artists and ability in visual self-evaluation of artwork.
How will we be assessed on this topic?
Students will be assessed practically at the end of the project focusing on the skills and creativity shown in their typography designs.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?
Strong work in typography should include the following;
- communication of elements of the pupils’ own interests
- skilfully drawn shape, colour and tone
- balanced layout on a page or sheet
- creative risks taken with materials
What key words are there in this topic?
- Typography
- Letterforms
- Font
- Balance
- Proportion
- Spacing
- communication
- legibility
- Line
- Colour
- Shape
- Tone
- Form
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
- Design lettering that suits some of your own hobbies.
- Try using apps or computer programs to create creative typography.
What wider reading can be done on this topic?
- Look at posters, magazine articles and websites to look at the use of typography – ask yourself, why did they choose those letterforms
