Art & Design

In today’s globally accessible media and technology-driven world, the subject of Art, Craft, and Design is more imperative than ever. It is a highly sought-after qualification that can lead to over 150 high-grossing industries and ever-growing opportunities.  

From social media to advertising, visual language is digested by every single human being throughout life.

Under the schools’ values of ‘Choices’, ‘Chances’, and ‘Character’, our curriculum aims to enrich our students’ cultural capital. We focus on equipping students with the skills to engage, comprehend, and interpret the world around them through the lens of art.

Curriculum Sequencing

Starting from Year 7, we guide students on a path to visual literacy. They learn to read, analyse, and form personal perspectives on art. This journey is enriched by trips to local and national art galleries, introducing students to a spectrum of artistic works, both historical and contemporary.

We emphasize the importance of dialogue, critique, and debate about artists' work and students’ own creations. This approach deepens and expands their understanding of artistic concepts, principles, and the language needed to articulate their thoughts on art.

Students engage with a variety of materials, processes, tools, and technologies, fostering curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and pride in their evolving skills. They develop problem-solving abilities through experimentation, evaluation, and planning, skills which are crucial for future success.

This progression culminates in Key Stage 4, where students refine and showcase their skills, creativity, and understanding.

By end the end of Key Stage 4, our students are well-rounded, knowledgeable, and skilled in the art, prepared to venture into the world with a rich understanding of artistic expression.

Inclusive Practice in Art

We are dedicated to helping each student discover their strengths and talents within art, promoting confidence and self-awareness. Our curriculum includes the study of diverse artists and designers from various backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and beliefs, providing a comprehensive view of the world’s artistic heritage.

Students gain cultural awareness through creation, investigation, and practice. They are taught values of respect, responsibility, resilience, and character building. This includes respecting each other’s progress and emotional needs, offering feedback that is constructive, honest, and specific.

Furthermore, we recognise the therapeutic and meditative benefits of art, which contribute to the overall well-being of our students. Through our art curriculum, students not only learn about art but also about themselves and their place in the world.