Art & Design is taught to all students weekly in KS3. KS3 focuses on developing the student’s passion and interest in art, and progress in their ability to create and think imaginatively.  The art curriculum has been lovingly crafted to cover a wide range of themes and allow students the opportunity to experiment with an array of materials and processes.  Students will create artist research (which includes looking at the history of art right up to current practicing artists).  During KS3 the art student will be able to develop their confidence in the subject and will be able to work in their own style, with a range of skills and techniques at their disposal.

Student enjoyment of art is outstanding; we have a very stimulating and productive working atmosphere where students are supported and encouraged to work expressively with independence. Lessons are designed to be stimulating and engaging for every level of learner.  The art department staff are warm and inspiring and boast a wealth of knowledge and skills across the arts curriculum.

Students record their artwork in their own sketchbooks, year 7 and year 8 have A3 sketchbooks and year have A4.  Students will explore 2 contrasting themes each academic year, providing diversity and extensiveness.  Each theme provides opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge.  Students explore craft and digital, 2D and 3D art processes within each theme.  Media ranges from traditional painting, drawing and sculpture, to contemporary sculpture and photography.

At the end of KS3 students can choose to take Fine Art and Graphic Communication at GCSE level.  Art and Graphics are an extremely popular choice for many students, and we follow the AQA qualification with both subject endorsement. 

Subject leads have worked hard to create a scheme of work which covers all required AQA assessment objectives whilst driving students passion and skill set within their specialism.  Students blossom during their GCSE and have the freedom to explore and progress their own artwork within the given projects.  Students can work with any media including painting, drawing, printing, digital, photography, textiles, mixed media and many more in between!

GCSE is made up of 60% coursework and 40% exam.  The exam is conducted over 8 weeks and is completed with a 10 hour practical exam of which the students create a final outcome for their development work. Throughout the course students work within 4 assessment objectives and are encouraged, supported and stretched by their teachers each step of the way.

Student enjoyment of the subject is reflected in the outstanding exam results the students achieve within these 2 options.

Art Club: The department runs enrichment every day for both KS3 and KS4 students.  Clubs run once a week and alternate between drawing club, photoshop club and the very popular Christmas craft club!  We offer a fantastic intervention programme for our GCSE learners including group intervention and one to one tutoring. 

We attend exhibitions and also partake in trips to enhance the students understanding of their work.