Curriculum Intent

Imagination, innovation, creativity and expression are vital components of what it is to be human. Our Art and Design curriculum seeks to nurture the creative potential that lies within all students. Our delivery of an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum, enables students to become independent learners, problem solvers and to develop creative ideas. 

In Year 7 and 8  students are taught basic drawing, painting, pattern making and analysis skills so that they can demonstrate an understanding of visual language and communicate their creative ideas effectively. By the end of Year 9, students should be able to think creatively and critically. They will investigate artists, such as William Morris, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol and evaluate a wide range of creative outcomes, from the past and present to develop an understanding of the many disciplines in Art and Design and how they shape our history and future. They will have independently explored a variety of materials and techniques to create their own creative solutions. 

From GCSE to A Level our curriculum is grounded in Fine Art. It enables students to contribute and engage as confident future professionals and create work independently that reflects issues within different cultures and shows an emotional awareness of our society. They will gain inspiration from traditional and contemporary sources and look at the natural world, art works, poetry, music, dance and drama. They will develop on personal beliefs and values and produce work that reflects their identity helping them understand how artists respond to human issues and shared problems through Art. 

The Art and Design and Design Technology departments are devoted to varied, practical and creative subjects: Food Technology, Textiles, 3D Art and Design and Fine Art. In Year 7, 8 and 9, students have two lessons each week and rotate between these disciplines, experiencing all of them each year.