Art is a subject that can help us to understand and give meaning to the world in which we live. We develop students’ awareness of the impact of art on society and how artists/practitioners work is constantly re-used in the visual arts, such as fine art, advertising, TV, graphics, film, music and video.  

Through our yearly themed Art & Design curriculum, we seek to engage, inspire and challenge students, equipping them with skills to experiment, invent, improve and create their own original pieces of work. Over time they will develop their ability to think critically as well as increase their knowledge and understanding of Art & Design. To self-express, to gain a sense of fulfilment and to enjoy.  

The curriculum explores many practical skills in handling the variety of specialised equipment and materials/ media. Motor skills are continually refined and work adjusted to improve the visual impact, structure and composition, for example. These skills are transferable to careers in design, painting and decorating, media/film/theatre etc., technology technicians etc. 

Each term, core skills and the formal elements are revisited in a spiral learning format to embed and extend understanding and engagement. Written responses use writing frames and invite opinion and connections. 

At KS4 we follow the AQA Fine Art syllabus where students prepare a portfolio of work based on responses to artists’ work, specialist skills, approaches, themes and concepts. From this point, students are guided to develop their own practical interests and investigations into personal works. 

Learners develop oracy, creative thinking, visual literacy and develop highly valuable and transferrable skills for future careers and life. Our themes link with selected artist/ practitioner works, including traditional, modern and contemporary ideas, concepts and knowledge. 

Year 7

Theme: Nature 

Materials; drawing, painting, design, grattage, printmaking, mixed media 

Year 8

Theme: Pattern 

Materials; drawing, design, paint, papier mache, relief, mixed media 

Year 9

Theme: Portraiture 

Materials; drawing, painting, printmaking, wire, sculpture, mixed media 

Years 10 and 11

Themes: Baseline skills and Fragments 

Materials; drawing, design, painting, printmaking, montage, photography, relief, sculpture, mixed media