Welcome to the Art and Design Department

Art and design lessons give pupils the opportunity to use and develop their creativity by using a range of skills, in a wide variety of contexts.

Pupils have the opportunity to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.

Pupils are encouraged to communicate and express their ideas and feelings through visual and other forms and to explore and share these ideas with one another.

Art and Design lessons aim to develop creative problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills.

Development of fine motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness are embedded within lessons.

Our aim is to develop a pupil’s confidence and independence and to establish a positive learning environment that enables pupils to progress, achieve and enjoy learning.

An underpinning drive to develop students who are resilient, determined and respectful in Art creates a positive set of values to apply to all areas of life.

A variety of Interesting and stimulating topics and projects are covered throughout each year group, which enable students to experience a variety of materials, techniques, tools and processes.

Students are encouraged to explore the roles and purposes of artists, craftspeople and designers working in different times and cultures.

Opportunities to discuss viewpoints are encouraged whilst ensuring students are respectful towards others.

Values such as respect, tolerance, opinions and positive criticism are embedded within art.

Students are encouraged to assess and evaluate each other’s work and to recognise an individual’s strength and support their development. Students are encouraged to embrace diversity and treat all others with respect.

Often pupils have the opportunity to explore the school environment, building and surrounding landscape to facilitate their learning and when appropriate visits to the local art gallery are arranged.

ICT is often incorporated within topics to support the pupils' understanding and learning experience.

In years 10 and 11 Students may have the opportunity to study for an Edexcel BTEC level 1 Award in Art and Design. This provides an introduction to the skills, qualities and knowledge that may be required for employment in a particular vocational sector. It also encourages pupils to work more independently and apply techniques and processes that have been previously learnt.

Assessment is an integral process within all lessons. Formative assessment is established through observation, questioning and answering and the final work that pupils produce. Pupil achievement is monitored, reviewed and updated regularly to establish pupil progression and attainment levels.

Traditional British Values in Art

Opportunities to develop British Values in Art can be found below: