ASU

Preparato
ry
Academy
Fall 2015Spring

Cambridge IGCSE level Art

and Design
Teacher: Sarah Willis
Room: A3
Phone: 602-523-5817
Email: swillis1@asu.edu
Weebly:

http://swillisasuprep.weebly.com/

Cakes, by Wayne Thiebaud

Welcome to art class! I am very excited and eager to work with all of you
this year! The Cambridge International A level Art and Design course
includes expression and communication. I will provide students with the
opportunities for them to develop their ability to observe and analyze
the visual world, while developing their personal expression and
imagination. During this school year we will be trying out a little bit of
everything.
Things you can expect:
-

Elements of art
Principles of design
Tools and techniques

Art history
Proper use of materials
Artwork evaluations
Art critiques

Rules, Policies & Regulations

Class conduct
1- Be on time for class! We will start on schedule, so be in your seat starting your daily
bell work. If you are not in your seat you will be marked tardy.
2- Distracting, inappropriate and/or rude behavior will not be accepted. This includes
calling out comments and/or questions during class instructions or discussion time.
Bullying will also not be tolerated.
3- Active and appropriate participation is expected at ALL TIMES.

4- Every student is expected to use art materials appropriately and safely. If procedures
are not followed, students may lose privilege of using classroom art materials. It is
NEVER appropriate to throw or toss ANYTHING in the classroom!
5- Come to class prepared every day. Have all needed supplies at your table: pencils
(not mechanical), projects, and notebook.
6- No cell phones. All personal electronics should be turned off and put away so they
will not disrupt the class. I pods will be allowed during specific work time.
7- When Ms. Willis is giving instructions to the entire class, all talking and activity must
stop. When anyone (teacher or student) is speaking during a class discussion, he/she
will be heard by all! Show you are actively listening by facing the speaker.
8- Every day you will be expected to clean up after yourself. I will dismiss you each
class period, so make sure everything is cleaned up!

Discipline Plan:
Failure to meet any of the classroom expectations may result in one or more of the
following consequences:

Verbal warnings will be given for the first 2 weeks of school. After that time
students will be expected to know and understand all classroom expectations.
Parents/guardians will be contacted (via e-mail, text message, phone, or written
notice).
Lunch detention (parent will be notified).
Severe or repeat offences may result in Administrative Referral and/or removal
from the classroom.
If you are not in your seat, before the bell rings, you will be marked tardy. If you are
tardy to class twice in a week you will be assigned a lunch detention.
If procedures are not followed, students may lose the privilege of using classroom
art materials. It is NEVER appropriate to throw or toss ANYTHING in the classroom!
If IPods, cell phones are used in the classroom, they may be turned into the office.

Grading
Projects/grading: will be graded according to specific criteria in the Cambridge
curriculum. Students will be given a rubric or checklist prior to each assignment. There
will also be preliminary planning required for each assignment. Many of the planning
worksheets will be turned in before the entire project is turned in for grading.
Grading scale:
A+= 97-100%
A= 90-96%
B= 80 -89%
C= 70-79%
D= 60-69%
F=
50-59%
I=
Incomplete assignments

Written Assignments: Like all courses at school, there will be written work required
for each class. All writing will be related to art and is meant to enhance the students
understanding of the concepts that have been introduced.
Absences/ Late Work:
Excused Absence
Work missed during an absence must be made up.
Teachers are available before school, during lunch, and afterschool for
additional classroom time. Consult with teachers about availability.
Unexcused absence
Artwork evaluations- If you have an unexcused absence on the day we turn the
evaluations in, or yours is incomplete and you do not turn it in, you must set up an
appointment to stay 15 minutes after school. During that time I will fill you in on what
you missed and you will turn in your evaluation. This is the only way to turn in late
work.
Projects/Artworks: If you have an unexcused absence on the day we turn the artwork
in, or yours is incomplete and you do not turn it in. You must set up an appointment to
stay 15 minutes afterschool. During that time you will make up your self-reflection and
turn in both that and your artwork. This is the only way to turn in late work.
Academic dishonesty: Academic dishonesty includes cheating, dishonest conduct,
plagiarism, and copying from others. If you are caught cheating you will get a referral to
the dean, and your assignment will not be graded.
Homework: and assignments will be assigned throughout the year. It will be used to
reinforce information provided in class. Homework will most often be assigned to allow
students to complete any unfinished class work.

Learning Materials
You will be keeping all grading sheets, Evaluation sheets, notes, and study guides, etc. in
your notebook all year! Students will use their binders as developmental workbooks.
Notebooks must be kept organized. Periodic notebook review and grading will take place
throughout the year.
Basic supplies
1Three Ring Binder (1 - 2
size
2Tab Dividers (5-count)
3# 2 pencils (to be kept in the
notebook)
4Three-hole punch pouch or zip
lock bag with three-hole punch
(to be kept in the notebook).
What you will keep in your Binder
1- Daily Drawing Assignments
2- Projects/ Planning material

3- Notes/Vocabulary/ Handouts
4- Past Projects
5- Rubrics/ Grades/ Assessments

Art Class Contract: Keep the syllabus and only

return this form
Parent and students:
Please read through the packet of information that has been provided with
this form. I am looking forward to an exciting year in the Art Department.
Having the cooperation of all students and their families will ensure that I
am able to offer the most enriching visual arts experience for all the
students in the art program.
Grades for all students work will be recorded and kept in each students
developmental workbook, and the grades will also be posted on the
students PowerSchool. Please use the PowerSchool to stay informed about
which assignments have been turned in and graded. If you have any
questions about a specific project or grade, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Thank you for taking the time to make this a great start to a year in the
Visual Arts Program.
Sincerely,
Sarah Willis
Student & Parent Agreement:
I have read all of the course materials for the art class thoroughly. If I have
any questions about policies and procedures, I will contact the art teacher
for further explanation. I understand that returning this form on time will
count as a homework grade. It is due:_____________

(Student signature)
_____________________________________________________________________________
( Parent Signature)