Art & Design

Explore Your Creativity in Art & Design

In Art and Design, we aim to develop students’ ability to think creatively and communicate their ideas visually using a range of materials and processes. We promote independence, enthusiasm, and imagination, and encourage students to foster a love for the subject.

What Students Will Learn

Students will:

• Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• Build on drawing skills using a variety of art materials
• Demonstrate understanding of the formal elements of art
• Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft, and design
• Learn about great artists, craft makers, and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

Curriculum

Key Stage 3 

As students join us in KS3 with a variety of abilities and experiences, we focus on the formal elements of art with an emphasis on quality. Students develop drawing and painting skills while using a variety of materials to explore ideas and produce original, personal responses within the framework of the curriculum.

Key Stage 4 

Following AQA’s Art & Design: Fine Art specification, GCSE students:

• Build on prior knowledge from KS3
• Develop ideas through investigations informed by critically analysing sources
• Explore relevant materials, techniques, and processes
• Record ideas and observations visually and in writing, using appropriate specialist vocabulary

Independent learning is a key part of the course. Students are encouraged to incorporate personal interests, passions, and hobbies into their work, and to visit galleries and exhibitions to support their personal investigations.

Skills for the Future

The Art & Design curriculum prepares students to:

• Manage time effectively and navigate independent creative projects
• Critically analyse primary and secondary sources and demonstrate knowledge in visually exciting ways
• Take creative risks and reflect on their learning throughout their creative journey