Turkey İlköğretim Visual Arts Curriculum

This curriculum outlines the learning objectives and activities for Visual Arts education in primary and middle schools across Turkey. It emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating knowledge, skills, and values within the learning process. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers to tailor it to the specific needs and developmental stages of their students. It encourages interdisciplinary connections with other subjects like Turkish, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and Life Sciences.

The curriculum is structured around three core learning areas:

1. Visual Communication and Design: This area focuses on developing students' ability to express themselves visually, using various art elements (color, line, shape, form, texture, space) and design principles (rhythm, balance, proportion, emphasis, unity, variety, movement, contrast). Students are encouraged to explore different materials, tools, and techniques, both traditional and contemporary, including digital technologies. Ethical considerations, such as copyright, are also addressed.

2. Cultural Heritage: This area aims to foster an appreciation for Turkish art and cultural heritage, as well as the art and culture of other societies. Students examine artworks and artists from different cultures and historical periods, exploring the relationship between art, history, and culture. The curriculum encourages visits to museums, art galleries, artist workshops, and historical sites, or the use of alternative resources like replicas, prints, documentaries, and online materials when visits are not feasible.

3. Art Criticism and Aesthetics: This area develops students' ability to analyze and interpret artworks using art criticism methods (description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment). They learn to identify and discuss the meaning and value of art, considering personal and contextual factors. The curriculum also encourages discussions about different aesthetic preferences and the economic value of art.

Curriculum by Grade Level (1-8)

The curriculum provides specific learning objectives for each grade level, building upon previous knowledge and skills in a spiral progression. The following is a summarized overview:

• 1st Grade: Focuses on expressing feelings and thoughts through visual art, using basic art elements and exploring different materials. Introduces the concept of art as part of culture.
• 2nd Grade: Emphasizes creating new ideas inspired by experiences, surroundings, and different cultures. Explores the use of art materials and techniques to express these ideas. Introduces basic art elements and principles.
• 3rd Grade: Encourages learning through questioning and exploration. Focuses on expressing opinions, applying knowledge, and evaluating visual art. Introduces the concept of foreground, middleground, and background.
• 4th Grade: Emphasizes developing sensitivity to art, using art elements and design principles. Students learn to explain their artistic choices and the main idea behind their work. Explores the influence of historical artworks on modern culture.
• 5th Grade: Focuses on absorbing information and evaluating artworks more meaningfully. Emphasizes conveying personal values and ideas for art appreciation. Introduces aerial perspective and human figure drawing.
• 6th Grade: Students learn to reflect emotions and thoughts in their work using art elements and design principles. Analyzes and evaluates how artists use forms, materials, and symbols. Introduces perspective in visual art.
• 7th Grade: Explores the creative process, its analysis, and discovery. Students learn to use traditional and contemporary art materials and techniques. Develops visual arts language and encourages inquiry skills.
• 8th Grade: Focuses on applying previously learned knowledge, skills, and experiences. Students learn to use different techniques together in their artwork. Encourages inquiries into the purpose, meaning, and value of art.