Art is studied by all students in KS3 and is an optional subject in KS4

Aim of the Art and Design Curriculum

The Art and Design curriculum is designed to nurture confident, independent, and reflective young artists who can think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them. It seeks to inspire, challenge, and engage pupils by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to explore, experiment, and create original works of art, craft, and design.

Through this process, students gain an understanding of how art and design have shaped and been shaped by history, and how they continue to influence our culture, creativity, and economy. The curriculum plays a vital role in providing a well-rounded education by fostering visual awareness, cultural appreciation and critical thinking, while also supporting fine motor skills and emotional growth.

The knowledge the students will have by the end of the course:

Developing Creativity and Imagination

- Encourage exploring ideas and recording experiences.

- Foster originality, experimentation, and personal expression using various materials and techniques.

Technical Proficiency

- Teach skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms.

- Build confidence and competence with materials, tools, and techniques.

Evaluating and Analysing Artworks

- Develop critical thinking about their own and others’ work.

- Use art language to analyse visual elements like line, colour, texture, shape and form.

Historical and Cultural Context

- Study artists, architecture, crafts and design across cultures and eras.

- Understand art’s role in reflecting and shaping society and history.

- Learn about major art movements from ancient to modern times.

Producing Personal Responses

- Guide creation of final pieces informed by research, experimentation and personal intent.

Some recent highlights from the Art Department:

Students' work

2025 GCSE Art Gallery

A Selection of art work produced for GCSE Art