Art & Photography
Intent
Art and Design curriculum is designed to foster creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts. We aim to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to express themselves through a variety of artistic media while developing critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Our curriculum encourages all students to take creative risks, and express their thoughts, and ideas visually. We promote a strong foundation in the formal elements of art (line, shape, colour, texture, form, space, tone, and pattern) and a variety of artistic techniques, from traditional drawing and painting. We teach students to reflect on and evaluate their own work and that of other.
Our curriculum introduces students to a diverse range of artists, designers, and artistic movements from different cultures and time periods, promoting an appreciation for the role of art in society. Through this curriculum, we aim to inspire students to become independent, creative thinkers who can appreciate, interpret, and contribute to the world of art and design.
Big Ideas
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Formal Elements and Accuracy |
Students will develop skills in creating line, shape, texture, tone, colour and pattern. They will also develop skills in drawing from observation, demonstrating accuracy in shape and proportion. |
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Developing work |
Students will develop skills in refining their work using a range of techniques, showing progress and improvement in their artwork over time. |
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Media Experimentation |
Students will develop skills in the use of a range of materials to produce a variety of creative and experimental outcomes |
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Exploring great artists |
Students will be introduced to great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. |
Overview
Year 7
Students explore the formal elements of art—line, shape, tone, texture, colour, and pattern—through drawing, painting, and mixed media. In the second half of the year, they undertake a food-themed project, learning to represent food in art. Creativity, observation, and confidence with materials are key focuses throughout.
Year 8
Students study the Day of the Dead, using bold colours and patterns to create symbolic skull designs. They then explore Fauvism and the expressive use of colour in Matisse's work, followed by Hundertwasser’s imaginative style and environmental themes. Skills in drawing, painting, watercolour, and oil pastel are developed.
Year 9
The year begins with still life, focusing on tone, composition, and mark-making. Students then design and create mythical creatures using mixed media, before studying architecture through the lens of form, structure, and perspective in a final mixed-media project.
Year 10–11 (GCSE Art)
Students begin with the theme of Natural Forms, developing skills in observation, material exploration, and artist research. They complete a personal coursework project in Year 10, and in Year 11, undertake an externally set assignment, producing a final piece. Core skills include drawing, experimentation, and mixed media.
KS5 Photography (A Level)
Year 12 starts with technical skill-building in camera use and editing, followed by a self-directed mini project and a personal investigation forming 60% of the final grade.
Year 13 focuses on completing coursework and an externally set project, with students developing independent ideas through research, experimentation, and presentation.