Art & Design
The Art Department delivers a broad and rigorous curriculum that exceeds the breadth and depth of the national curriculum. It is designed for students to gain substantive practical, theoretical and disciplinary knowledge. It ensures all students reach their full potential, become independent and take intelligent risks in a fully supportive environment. It seeks to challenge, motivate, and cultivate a love for Art, Design and Photography, whilst encouraging further thinking beyond classroom study.
Teaching and learning are delivered by our specialist team with adapted resources to meet individual needs. It is deliberately planned to build on previous learning to support students to accumulate knowledge over time. Sufficient practice is encouraged to ensure students develop receptive and productive expertise. The department has three fully equipped Art rooms, a ceramics area, a dark room and a designated 6th form area. We listen to students, are aware of current employment trends and provide them with the necessary support to succeed. They are taught how to respond to, and interpret visual imagery through artist studies, observation and imagination with various mediums. Artists, photographers and craftspeople from a variety of cultures and eras studied are carefully selected to match the demographics of our student population and community. Thus, promoting creativity and diversity.
As students’ progress through KS3, they develop a greater understanding of these disciplines and the world around them. KS4 students are trained to think critically, be creative, experimental and ambitious in their independent projects. A Level students are armed with the confidence and technical refinement necessary to further develop techniques and working practices. Promoting ambitious and highly individual outcomes.
Wider curricular activities, such as weekly art club, exhibitions and trips consolidate learning. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are at the forefront of every activity we organise. This provides them with valuable exposure and cultural capital, which minimises inequality and fosters success.
In summary, critical thinking, self-reflection, creative development and the ability to evaluate artworks are used to enhance students’ communication and interpersonal skills. They are taught to see challenges and mistakes as essential learning opportunities to build character, resilience and skill.
