Art & Design

Ethos & Values

In the Creative Arts Curriculum area, we endeavour to foster students' sensitivity to and their understanding and enjoyment of Art and Design. We aim to provide students with skills, knowledge and confidence in each area and develop their enjoyment of Art and Design through an active practical involvement in the creative elements of each discipline.

We feel that Art and Design is an essential element in a balanced education, allowing personal expression, personal development, creative and real practical involvement in the subject. Students gain confidence and a real appreciation of each other's talent.

In the Curriculum Area we are aware that Art and Design is one of the few areas where students take part in the personal creation of their own personal items. This adds even more to the aesthetic value of the subject, giving the students a healthy channel for their creative talents.

The Curriculum Area aims:

• To develop the students' aesthetic appreciation of a variety of Art forms and to continue to explore this through developments in Art and Design.


• To provide stimulating visual and practical experiences which provide opportunities for the development of skills.


• To promote interest, enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject.

Knowledge & Skills

At KS3 schemes of work cover the core criteria that we believe are vital. The students address four areas of enquiry: competency, creativity, cultural and critical. These are used to build the knowledge and skills required for artist appreciation and practice.

At KS4 we follow the GCSE (AQA) Art, Craft and Design course. This is a popular choice, allowing students to create artworks from a variety of disciplines. Assessment for GCSE is 60% Coursework Portfolio, 40% final examination.

All schemes of work are constantly amended, responding to new developments in Art and Design. We work to projects which offer students the opportunity to explore and experiment with varied and diverse media in order to produce outcomes. Students also look at the history of art and the artwork/design from other cultures in order to enhance their own studies and artwork. Students are encouraged to make creative choices and develop their own ideas in response to artist and designers work.

Resources & Facilities

In Key Stages 3 and 4, we have a well-equipped studio and ceramic facilities. There are two kilns, allowing clay work to be fired on site.

A range of processes and materials are used in all Key Stages including 2D and 3D work. These include: drawing, painting, mixed media, collage, ceramics, card and wire sculpture.

Courses & Qualifications

At KS3 we follow QCA guidelines.

At KS4 the students follow the AQA GCSE Art, Craft and Design course. This offers a range of materials for students to increase skills and develop creativity.

The GCSE programme is intended to deepen and extend the students' own creative skills and their understanding of art practice developing from your KS3 studies. Students will have the opportunity to work in painting, drawing and mixed media, ceramics and sculpture where appropriate. Students will be encouraged to experiment and be adventurous in expressing thier own thoughts, observations and ideas. Observational drawing is fundamental to any art practice and will form the keystone for each project. Students should then develop their ideas into more experimental and creative outcomes.

Students will work to set themes and be expected to record and explore ideas; to use a variety of materials; to analyse and investigate the work of other artists, craft persons and designers; to develop personal final outcomes.

KS3 Topics

Year 7

During Year 7 students have the opportunity to develop a rang of skills through 2D and 3D work. Year 7 students will have two lessons of art and design a week, one dedicated to working through traditional art and design processes, the other dedicated to understanding techniques when creating sculpture.

1. Colour and Pattern - an exploration of the visual elements and introduction to painting skills, mixing and blending. Students will be influenced by the art of Peter Max to design a Starbucks cup. They will learn about the process of design to production.
2. Natural Forms - Students will look at Natural Forms and create a variety of outcomes in different media. They will learn vital drawing and planning skills used in realistic drawing and how to develop an idea from realism to abstraction.
3. Abstract Sculpture – Students will develop their understanding of colour theory and pattern through producing an abstract sculpture. Their work will be influenced by the artist Yayoi Kusama. They will learn about the abstraction of artwork to create a 3D piece.
4. Trash to Treasure – Students will develop their 3D skills by creating artwork from plastic gathered from their home. They will learn about how objects can be upcycled by using imagination and creativity.
5. Buildings and Architecture - Students will explore the artwork of Gaudi. They will create work that is inspired by the artist using different 3D forms.

Year 8

1. Portraits - students will learn techniques and skills to enable them to create a self-portrait in a variety of styles. They will focus on classical drawing skills as well as exploration of media and creativity.
2. Fantastic and Strange – an exploration of surrealism developing on skills learnt during Portraits. Students will develop their understanding of a range of media producing relevant outcomes and combining ideas.

KS4 Topics

Year 9

1. Colour theory and media skills - Students will learn about colour theory and how to use colours together effectively. They will practice mixing and blending in order to create a final outcome based around Optical Illusion Art.
2. Natural Forms - Students will learn techniques involved in drawing accurately and realistically, as well as important skills on handling a variety of media. They will be introduced to the 4 Assessment Objectives and will learn how to address each one effectively. Students will work with a variety of media to produce outcomes in clay, printmaking, paint, multimedia, digital media, and textiles. The focus is to be able to use a variety of media effectively and purposefully.

Year 10

1. Portraits - students will be provided with in-depth study of facial features and the rules involved in recording the face and human figure. Students will create a variety of outcomes ranging from realistic to stylized and will be able to produce work that is personal to them and tailored to their style and strengths.
2. Culminating Project – Students will develop their skills and their creative identity through creating a project linking to a past theme throughout their coursework. They will explore ideas and themes they enjoy whilst creating a final piece using 3D materials.

Year 11

1. Mock Exam - students will respond to series of given starting points. They will create a personal and meaningful response that references all 4 assessment objective in a media and style of their choice. This will give students a chance to experience the process of working through a mock exam and give them the opportunity to tailor and personalise their learning.
2. Final Exam 40% - students will respond to series of given starting points. They will create a personal and meaningful response that references all 4 assessment objective in a media and style of their choice. They will complete a final 10 hour controlled assessment in which they will create a final outcome linking to their preparation work.

Learning Outside The Classroom

KS3/KS4

All students are encouraged to practice skills and supplement knowledge outside of class. KS3 students have the opportunity to participate in clubs and activities after school which focus on developing new skills and experimenting with techniques.

There are after-academy classes for coursework development offered to KS4 students. Those who need extra time and one to one support to complete work find this valuable.

Lunchtime clubs are available for all art students who wish to practise their skills in a supportive environment.

Where Does This Take Me In The Future?

Further Education

• AS/A Level, 2 years
• Foundation Course in Art & Design

After A Level

Apply to Colleges, Universities for Further Education and Degree courses.