Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum aims to foster creativity, innovation, practical skills and critical thinking, preparing students to thrive in the workplace and society. We develop pupils to harness their employability skills by recognising the talents and recognising how transferable they can be into different industry sectors. Artistic and design skills most commonly used in the creative industries which stretch from web design to commercial product design can also be used in aspects of business procurement and operational delivery.
We harbour the Values and Culture of Respect, Hard Work, Positivity, Community, Diversity, Ambition: These core values are embedded in our curriculum, ensuring students develop into well-rounded individuals.
We encourage students to take risks and learn from their experiences, promoting resilience and problem-solving skills. This is achieved through projects which develop practical skills such as developing work and knowledge of electronics to create mood lamp. Or by studying contact assessing the disciplines of portraiture and observation drawing.
Aims and Objectives
‘Art and design is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise: with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality’ Quentin Blake, Children’s Laureate
Art and Design is to embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.
‘Art develops spiritual values and contributes a wider understanding to the experience of life, which helps to build a balanced personality. ‘Bridger Riley, Painter
We aim to develop the ability to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. Pupils should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
- Develop creativity and imagination.
- Enhance technical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art and appreciation of various art forms.
- Foster critical thinking and analytical skills.
‘Tell me and I forget – show me and I remember – let me do it, and I learn. ‘Learning through making works! Prue Leith, Leith’s School of Food and Wine
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Students learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Instilling a love of cooking will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity.
- Encourage innovation and practical problem-solving.
- Enhance technical skills and the use of tools, materials and technology.
- Promote understanding of the design process from concept to creation.
- Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.
Design and technology is about making things that people want and that work well. Creating these things is hugely exciting: it is an inventive, fun activity. James Dyson, Chairman, Dyson Ltd
Our Curriculum in Key Stage 4
In Year 10 students embark on their GCSE and Vocational studies which provide the stepping stone for further education and unlocking future careers. Students choose for Art and Design, Photography and Hospitality and Catering. These courses have been selected as they provide the broadest range and opportunity to progress at local colleges and are in industries which are currently recruiting.
Assessment and Evaluation
- Continuous assessment through projects and portfolios.
- Formal assessments through home learning.
Design Technology and Hospitality and Catering:
- Assessment of practical projects.
- Written exams and coursework.
Cultural Capital and Extra-Curricular Activities
We aim to emphasise the importance of cultural capital by providing a wide range of experiences with a view to enriching the individual and making their education more relevant and relatable in an ever-changing world. We do this through educational trips with bespoke sessions at further education providers such as John Leggott College, we host guest speakers and practitioner demonstrators. We offer clubs and extra-curricular activities to support the development of new talents and interests. By providing pupils with this programme of opportunity we hope they will be able to make valued judgements in their career and contribute extensively to society. Using their enhanced knowledge of cultural capital, pupils will be able to increase their opportunity in exam and academic success.
Finally, we take immense pride in ensuing all students can access our Art and Design Technology curriculum and achieve in these subjects regardless of any previous barriers to education they may have faced in the past. We have a fantastic record ensuring all can thrive and achieve.