Our Approach to Art & Design
Our Art & Design department focuses on three key areas that shape everything we do, from the materials we use to the way we assess and support our students.
Art & Design
Art and Design is a powerful and inspiring subject that encourages creativity, individuality, and self-expression. Our curriculum is designed to give every student the opportunity to explore and develop their artistic skills across a wide range of practical skills including painting, drawing, clay and collage at KS3, giving them a strong foundation in traditional and contemporary creative practices to develop specialist skills at KS4 and upwards.
We aim to build confidence, resilience, and critical thinking through creative exploration. Art lessons foster enjoyment and engagement, while laying the groundwork for further study at GCSE, A-Level, and into higher education. Students learn about key artists, art movements, and cultural influences, helping them develop a broader understanding of the world around them through visual expression.
Emma Hart
Curriculum Leader Art & Photography i/c D of E
James Welton
Teacher of Art
Sam Hall
Teacher of Art
Tara Prutton
Teacher of Art
Subject Information Sheets
Download detailed curriculum overviews for each key stage. These documents outline the topics covered, assessment expectations, and how the curriculum progresses from Year 7 through to Sixth Form.
Subject Information Sheets
Download curriculum overviews and subject information for each key stage.
Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact
Our Art & Design curriculum is built around three core pillars. Expand the sections below to read our full statements on what we aim to achieve, how we deliver it, and the difference it makes to our students.
Intent
- Art and Design is a powerful and inspiring subject that encourages creativity, individuality, and self-expression.
- Our curriculum is designed to give every student the opportunity to explore and develop their artistic skills across a wide range of practical skills including painting, drawing, clay and collage at KS3, giving them a strong foundation in traditional and contemporary creative practices to develop specialist skills at KS4 and upwards.
- We aim to build confidence, resilience, and critical thinking through creative exploration. Art lessons foster enjoyment and engagement, while laying the groundwork for further study at GCSE, A-Level, and into higher education.
- Students learn about key artists, art movements, and cultural influences, helping them develop a broader understanding of the world around them through visual expression.
Implementation
- The subject and its specialisms are delivered through a rich and inclusive curriculum that evolves across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5.
- Students engage with a wide range of materials, techniques, and processes, supported by regularly updated projects and knowledge organisers.
- Through hands-on learning, students develop technical skills across disciplines such as painting, drawing, textile techniques, printmaking, darkroom processes, and digital editing, enabling them to explore and refine their own creative voice.
- Teachers tailor lessons to individual needs through differentiated planning and provide varied forms of assessment including one-to-one tutorials, peer and self-evaluation, and structured feedback.
- Additional support, such as after-school interventions at KS4, ensures that all students can develop their skills and achieve success.
- Across all disciplines, the curriculum balances technical mastery with contextual understanding, experimentation, and personal expression.
Impact
- Through each of our subjects, students develop into confident, independent, and creative individuals with strong technical and conceptual skills.
- They gain a deep understanding of visual language, can recall and apply knowledge of key terms, artists, movements, and processes, and produce personal and meaningful work.
- By acquiring practical skills in both traditional and modern techniques, students leave with a versatile and well-rounded creative toolkit that supports further study and future careers in the arts.
- The curriculum builds resilience, problem-solving abilities, and self-esteem, while encouraging critical thinking and reflection.
- Students are well-prepared for further study, with many continuing into post-16 and higher education courses in creative subjects.
- Our consistent outcomes at KS4 and KS5 reflect the success of our approach and the positive impact on students’ personal and academic development.
Begin Your Creative Journey
Discover how Art & Design can inspire your future — from GCSE through to A-Level and beyond.
Contact the Art Department