Our Art and Photography curriculum is designed to nurture creativity, self-expression, and visual literacy. We aim to develop confident, reflective, and independent artists who can communicate ideas and emotions through a range of media and techniques.

We provide an inclusive and inspiring curriculum that encourages all students to explore their imagination, develop technical skills, and engage with the work of artists from diverse cultures and time periods. Art is a powerful tool for personal growth, cultural understanding, and creative thinking.

By the end of Key Stage 4, students will be able to:

• Use a range of materials, techniques, and processes with increasing skill and control
• Develop and refine ideas through experimentation and critical reflection
• Analyse and respond to the work of artists, designers, and craftspeople
• Communicate personal themes and concepts through visual outcomes
• Present a portfolio of work that demonstrates creativity, progression, and individuality

Our intent is to empower students with the confidence and creative skills to succeed in further study, employment, and life.

Curriculum overview

Key Stage 3

Students explore a wide range of artistic techniques and concepts, building foundational skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

Year 7
Thematic areas this year centre around the formal and visual elements:

• Term 1: Visual elements – Observational drawing skills, colour theory, and experimenting with a variety of media to create an outcome
• Term 2: Discovering the arts – Exploring a variety of styles and techniques used by artists throughout history
• Term 3: Our world sculpture – A conceptual art-based project that develops ideas into a 3D sculpture

Year 8
Students focus on developing technical skills and deepening their understanding of artistic styles and visual communication. Emphasis is placed on drawing, painting, and literacy in art.

Key learning includes:

• Series of observational drawings
• Collecting, organising, and presenting visual information in a sketchbook
• Reflecting on and critically questioning their own work and that of others
• Developing personal designs to create final outcomes
• Acquiring technical skills in a range of media
• Understanding how visual language conveys thoughts, feelings, and ideas
• Building awareness of a wide variety of art styles and techniques

Topics studied:

• Portraiture
• Perspective
• Typography
• Illustration

Key Stage 4

Students follow the AQA or Edexcel GCSE Art and Design specification, developing a personal portfolio and completing an externally set assignment.

Areas of study may include:

• Fine Art (drawing, painting, printmaking)
• 3D Design and Sculpture
• Photography and Digital Media
• Mixed Media and Installation

Assessment:

• Component 1: Personal portfolio (60%)
• Component 2: Externally set assignment (40%)

Students are encouraged to explore personal themes, experiment with materials, and develop a distinctive artistic voice.

Courses offered

• GCSE Art and Design (Fine Art or 3D Design)
• GCSE Photography
• BTEC Art

Enrichment opportunities

We offer a vibrant programme of enrichment to inspire creativity and broaden students’ artistic experiences. These include:

• Art Club: Open studio sessions for personal projects, skill-building, and collaborative work
• Gallery visits and exhibitions: Trips to local and national galleries to engage with professional artwork
• Artist-in-residence projects: Workshops and collaborations with practising artists
• School exhibitions: Opportunities to showcase student work to the wider community
• Cross-curricular projects: Links with subjects such as English, History, and Technology to explore art in context

These experiences help students develop confidence, cultural awareness, and a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts.