Learning Journey

Curriculum Intent

Our students will undertake a creative and expressive journey that will nurture their understanding and skills in the wide-ranging specialisms of Art & Design, teach them to look at the world from a visual perspective, question critically and respond independently. It will not only prepare students for each stage through a carefully sequenced curriculum, but will prepare students for studying Fine Art or Photography from GCSE into A-Level, with careers advice for the future. This journey DEEPENS their experience of Art as follows:

DIVERSITY – Providing students with the opportunity to learn about the evolution of Art, different cultures and how they impact artistic style, practice and values. They will explore Artwork by historical and contemporary artists of different genders and backgrounds.

ENJOYMENT – Encouraging subject enjoyment through exciting project themes, choice of artists, contextual references, source materials, and varied teaching & learning styles.

EXPRESSIVE FREEDOM – Providing a curriculum embedded with opportunities for creative freedom and self-expression, Developing their ability to self-manage and become increasingly confident, independent learners through each year.

PROGRESSION – Our curriculum will develop and strengthen skills and knowledge from Key Stage 2, equipping students in Key Stage 3 with a strong foundation across the four Assessment Objevtives studied at Key Stage 4 & 5 (Developing Ideas, Exploring Media, Recording Ideas & Presenting a Response) to prepare them for GCSE and A-Level. Information on careers and further education will also aid future choices.

ENRICHMENT – The curriculum will be underpinned by enrichment opportunities including: Gallery/ Museum visits, extra-curricular clubs, entry into Art competitions, and connections with the wider school and community.

NURTURING – Art will provide a safe space for students to be supported through praise, providing space to explore their ideas with increasing flexibility throughout their education to maintain an open mind.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE – Students will cover the necessary skills and knowledge as set out by the KS3 National Curriculum; introducing them to a wide range of wet and dry media in Art, Craft & Design. They will develop their curiosity and resilience through experimentation, reflection and refinement and learn how to continually question what, how and why.