We aim to deliver a curriculum which allows every student to develop their artistic talent, regardless of ability and background.  Throughout the Key Stages, students are encouraged to explore their creativity and to problem solve through experimentation with a variety of media, materials and processes. As skills and confidence in the subject increase, students are gradually given more independence.  This allows them to respond to, and adapt their thinking to arrive at more personal outcomes.  By linking their own practice to the work of a variety of Artists and Craftspeople, students will acquire the appropriate research and analytical skills needed to succeed.  By developing their use of visual language and literacy skills at every level, students will be able to express themselves effectively and confidently in every way.  We aim to equip all students with the toolkit and knowledge needed to carve out a career within their desired creative industry. 

Students will be given the opportunity to experience working in a wide a variety of media and materials.  Teachers will provide opportunities for writing and reading in the form of artist analysis, self-evaluation and reflection.  The fine art skills explored in year 7 will underpin the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to make progress in all of our art-based subjects at every level.  These become an integral part of each project for every year group and become embedded in student practice.  GCSE and A-Level project titles are broad and encourage the development of individual approaches and styles.

Ongoing assessment takes place throughout KS3, during which students complete a selection of coursework-linked activities designed to evaluate student progress.  During KS4 and KS5 regular assessments continue, and work is marked against Exam Board criteria.  At all levels, assessment data is used to assess the success of the curriculum and inform the planning of future lessons to ensure students are supported and challenged appropriately.  Where necessary, teaching time is then allocated to the re-teaching of specific knowledge and the refining of student work / skills.

In year 7, students complete a ‘Formal Elements’ project which breaks down observational drawing and focusses on the development of pencil drawing skills alongside an introduction to mark-making in other media and simple print ideas.  During a second project titled ‘Colour and Abstraction’, new media is returned to and skills are developed further.  Students study colour theory, colour symbolism, develop their interpretation skills and apply newly acquired knowledge of the formal elements to some original, Cubist inspired pieces.  Students finish the year with a mini ‘Landscape’ project.  This sees them study Hundertwasser and Van Gogh alongside contemporary artists Sue Howells and Shelli Walters.

In year 8, students complete an ‘Illustration’ project promoting the link between Art and language. We work from a range of starting points, from ancient Illuminated lettering to modern day children’s book illustrations.  A second project titled ‘Fur, Feather and Scales’ develops observational skills in a variety of media, before providing the opportunity to experiment with some higher level printing ideas and processes.

In year 9, students work on a year-long ‘Everyday Objects’ project.  After an initial recap focusing on composition, this project introduces and combines all of our KS4 endorsements: Art, Textiles and Photography.  In the final part of this project, students are encouraged to primary source and develop their own ideas in order to present a  personal response to the theme, taking into account their own strengths and interests.

At Key Stage 4, students wishing to continue with a creative subject at GCSE can choose between Art, Craft and Design, Textile Design and Photography.

In year 10, GCSE Art students initially choose from the starting points ‘At the Seaside’, ‘Reflections’ and ‘Clothing’.  Students are encouraged to investigate and interpret one of these themes, make links and research their own Artists to inspire and support their own practical investigation.

Photography ‘My World’ projects and Textile exploration into the theme ‘Landscapes’, require a more teacher-led start in order to allow for the introduction and development of new, specialist techniques and process not covered at KS3.  Once initial content has been covered, students are then given more independence to interpret these project titles in a personal way, supported by Artists of their own choosing.

In the January of Year 11, students begin an Externally Set Exam Unit.  Project titles are provided by the exam board and after a 3.5 month preparatory period, students complete a 10 hour practical exam.

Coursework - 60%

Exam Project - 40%

At Key Stage 5, students wishing to continue with a creative subject at A-Level can choose between Art, Craft and Design, Textile Design, Photography or Graphic Communication.

Students begin all of our A-Level endorsements with a series of workshop sessions covering a range techniques and processes relevant to their chosen course.  They then write their own project brief and embark upon a Personal Investigation Unit.  This combines the research of relevant Artists and Craftspeople, practical experimentation with appropriate media and materials, ongoing annotation and reflection, the development and refining of ideas and the creation of final outcomes.   

In the February of Year 13, students begin an Externally Set Exam Unit.  Project titles are provided by the exam board and after a 2.5 month preparatory period, students complete a 15 hour practical exam.

Coursework / Written study - 60%

Exam Project - 40%