Curriculum Intent Overview

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to nurture pupils' creative confidence, technical skills, and critical understanding. We aim to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their starting points, can explore a range of media and techniques, combining technical proficiency with imaginative thinking to express their unique perspectives. 

Content and Skills 

The curriculum introduces pupils to a progressive and sequenced set of practical knowledge and skills. In Year 7, they build a foundation in essential techniques such as drawing, colour theory, and basic 2D and 3D media. These skills are applied and refined in Years 8 and 9, where pupils engage in themed projects that explore diverse artistic disciplines and cultural contexts. 

Practical learning is underpinned by visual analysis, critical thinking, and contextual understanding. Pupils investigate the work of artists, designers, and craftspeople, using this research to inspire and inform their own creative responses. 

At GCSE, pupils expand on their Key Stage 3 experiences while explicitly addressing the exam board’s assessment objectives. They develop ideas through research, refine their use of media, record observations, and present personal responses. This approach ensures a balance between technical skill development and creative exploration, fostering pupils’ confidence and independence. 

Assessment is integral to the learning process, with success criteria, teacher feedback, and structured improvement opportunities guiding pupils to achieve their best. By integrating research, design, and practical execution, the curriculum equips pupils with the skills needed to excel in both 2D and 3D media. 

Progression 

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to provide a coherent learning journey. Each year, the complexity and ambition of projects increase, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge and apply it with growing confidence. Themes and media introduced at Key Stage 3 are revisited and expanded at GCSE, giving pupils opportunities to develop familiarity into mastery. 

By Key Stage 4, pupils are well-prepared to meet the demands of the GCSE assessment objectives, with research, recording, experimentation, and personal response skills forming a strong foundation for success. Differentiated tasks, scaffolding, and accessible themes ensure all pupils can engage meaningfully. At GCSE, students personalise their work, choosing themes and outcomes that reflect their strengths and interests, whether in photography, ceramics, or ICT-based projects. 

Wider Impact 

Art and Design education prepares pupils for the future by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These skills have broad applications, from careers in the creative industries to enhancing pupils' wellbeing and ability to navigate an increasingly visual world. 

Our curriculum empowers pupils to become culturally aware, adaptable individuals who can make positive contributions to their communities and the wider world. By the end of their journey, pupils leave with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to succeed in creative and non-creative fields alike.