Basic 8 · Creative Arts and Design · Term Project
Term Project in Creative Arts and Design
In this topic you will apply the term's learning through a creative project in which you design, make, display and appraise an artefact or performance.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Plan a creative project using the design process
- Make and display an artefact or performance
- Appraise your own and others' projects
What you already know
- All topics covered in Creative Arts and Design this term
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Design
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
The term project brings together everything you have learned. You will design and make an artefact or prepare a performance that reflects Ghanaian culture or a topical issue.
1. Project Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| printed cloth | a relief or stencil print on cloth with a Ghanaian motif |
| woven item | a small mat or wall hanging using paper, raffia or yarn |
| 3D model | a model house, monument or gift box made from nets |
| digital design | a poster or logo for a school event |
| musical piece | a short piece in a Ghanaian genre |
| dance-drama | a short performance on a socio-cultural issue |
2. Planning the Project
- Choose a project option and a theme.
- Write a design brief: purpose, audience and requirements.
- Research and sketch ideas in your sketchbook.
- Select the best idea and list materials and tools.
- Make a timetable for each stage of work.
3. Making the Project
Work carefully through each stage, following safety rules for tools such as knives and scissors. Keep notes and photographs of your progress in your sketchbook. If a problem arises, solve it by testing alternatives, as designers do. Ask the teacher for guidance when needed.
4. Using Elements and Principles
Plan how you will use the elements and principles of design in your project. For a printed cloth, use rhythm through repeated motifs and contrast through colour. For a dance-drama, use dynamics and levels to show emotions. Explaining these choices shows deep understanding.
5. Working Safely and Responsibly
During project work, follow safety rules: cut away from your body, keep tools in their places, clean up spills immediately and wash brushes and hands after painting or printing. Share materials fairly and do not waste them. Responsible behaviour is part of being a good artist and ensures that everyone can complete their project safely.
6. Teamwork in Group Projects
If you work in a group, share tasks fairly according to each member's strengths. One member may lead the research, another the sketches, others the making or rehearsing. Meet regularly to check progress against the timetable. Solve disagreements by discussing ideas politely and choosing what best meets the brief.
New words
- project
- A planned piece of work carried out over time.
- design brief
- A statement of a project's purpose and requirements.
- timetable
- A plan of when tasks will be done.
- progress record
- Notes and pictures showing how work developed.
Summary
- The term project applies the term's learning in a chosen option.
- Planning includes a brief, research, sketches, materials and a timetable.
- Make the project carefully, record progress and use the elements and principles of design.
Class activity: Project Work
- Choose a project option and write a brief.
- Plan and begin making the project.
- Record your progress in your sketchbook.
You need: Pencils, Drawing paper, Printed photographs of Ghanaian stools, Baskets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A planned piece of work carried out over time is a…
- A. project
- B. motif
- C. tempo
- D. layer
Show answer
Answer: projectPlanned work.2. A design brief states…
- A. the purpose and requirements
- B. only the colour
- C. the price only
- D. the weather
Show answer
Answer: the purpose and requirementsBrief.3. Recording progress helps you reflect on your work.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueProgress record.4. A plan of when tasks will be done is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: timetableSchedule.5. List four steps in planning a term project.
Show answer
Answer: Choose an option, write a brief, research and sketch, list materials and make a timetable.Steps.6. How can you show understanding of design principles in your project?
Show answer
Answer: By explaining how you used principles such as rhythm and contrast to achieve the project's purpose.Explanation.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Design
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
The final stage of the project is to display your work and receive feedback. Seeing others' projects also inspires new ideas.
1. Preparing the Display
- Finish and clean your artefact or rehearse your performance.
- Write a label with the title, your name, the medium and the technique.
- Write a short artist's statement explaining your idea.
- Arrange artefacts neatly on tables or boards.
- Plan the order of performances.
2. Appraising Projects
| Criterion | Questions |
|---|---|
| purpose | Does the project meet its brief? |
| creativity | Is the idea original and interesting? |
| skill | Is the work well made or well performed? |
| design | Are elements and principles used effectively? |
| culture or message | Does it reflect Ghanaian culture or a topical issue? |
3. Self-Appraisal
Appraise your own project honestly. What went well? What would you change if you did it again? What did you learn about materials, techniques and teamwork? Writing these reflections in your sketchbook helps you grow as an artist.
4. Taking Art Beyond the Classroom
Many projects can be displayed at school open days, sold at fairs or given as gifts. Some learners may discover a talent that leads to careers in design, textiles, music or theatre. Keep practising your skills during the holidays.
5. Celebrating Achievement
An exhibition or performance at the end of the term is a celebration of what everyone has achieved. Invite parents, teachers and other classes. Thank everyone who helped, including those who donated materials. Photographs of the exhibition can be kept as a record and used to inspire next year's learners. Be proud of your work and keep developing your skills.
6. Writing a Good Artist's Statement
A good artist's statement is short and clear. State the title and the medium, explain the idea or message, describe how you used elements and principles of design, and mention any culture or topical issue reflected. For example: "Sankofa Mat, relief print on cotton. The repeated Sankofa motif reminds us to learn from the past; black on cream gives strong contrast."
New words
- display
- Showing work to others.
- label
- A small card giving information about a work.
- self-appraisal
- Judging your own work.
- exhibition
- A public display of artworks.
Summary
- Prepare displays with labels and artist's statements.
- Appraise projects for purpose, creativity, skill, design and cultural message.
- Self-appraisal helps learning, and projects can be shared beyond the classroom.
Class activity: Project Exhibition
- Display your projects with labels and statements.
- Appraise at least two classmates' projects.
- Write a self-appraisal of your own project.
You need: Pencils, Drawing paper, Printed photographs of Ghanaian stools, Baskets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A public display of artworks is an…
- A. exhibition
- B. audition
- C. rehearsal
- D. interview
Show answer
Answer: exhibitionDisplay.2. Which criterion asks whether the idea is original?
- A. creativity
- B. purpose
- C. skill
- D. design
Show answer
Answer: creativityOriginality.3. Self-appraisal means judging your own work.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueReflection.4. A small card giving information about a work is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: labelInformation card.5. List four criteria for appraising projects.
Show answer
Answer: Purpose, creativity, skill, design (or cultural message).Any four.6. Explain the value of self-appraisal.
Show answer
Answer: It helps you recognise strengths, see what to improve and learn from the process for future work.Reflection.
Homework
- Write a reflection of about 150 words on what you learned from your term project.