Our Art curriculum is designed to provide students with a diverse and stimulating experience that challenges learners at all levels. We aim to connect students with both their own culture and the wider world through engaging and thought-provoking projects. Throughout Key Stage 3, our lessons encourage risk-taking, inventiveness, and the development of creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. We equip students with the discipline, skills, and confidence to create original work while effectively recording their ideas and experiences. By Year 9, students will be proficient in drawing, painting, and 3D techniques, possess an understanding of significant artists, and be able to evaluate and analyse artworks using the language of art and design.

At Key Stage 4, we offer GCSE Art and Design, with specialisms in Fine Art, Textiles, and Photography. This course adopts a skills-based approach to artistic development, providing students with a wide range of learning experiences. Through working with various materials and sources, students will explore, develop, and communicate their creative ideas. Our teaching at this stage is designed to stretch and challenge each learner, deepen their artistic strengths and interests, and embed the skills necessary for continued study at A-Level and beyond.

In Creative Technology, students develop essential skills, knowledge, and safe practices while working with specialised tools and equipment. At Key Stage 3, our curriculum challenges students of all abilities, fostering engagement and laying a solid foundation for further study. ADT subjects are aligned through common creative processes—allowing students to develop a cohesive understanding of creative practices that flow into Key Stage 4.

In Year 7, students are split into two pathways, studying either Textiles or Resistant Materials, and then switch specialisms in Year 8. This structure ensures students gain a broad experience and understand the core National Curriculum processes: Technical Knowledge, Design, Make, and Evaluate. This prepares them for the in-depth study of Fine Art, Textiles, or Photography at Key Stage 4.

In Textiles, students explore hand and machine sewing, fabric printing, applique, heat transfer printing, and e-textiles. In Resistant Materials, students engage with Computer Aided Design (CAD), line bending, and laser cutting. Throughout both areas, students follow the creative process from research and idea generation to design development, prototyping, and evaluation. This common creative structure helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

By Year 9, students will be proficient in health and safety, using equipment like sewing machines and hand tools. They will also understand iterative design processes and how to meet client briefs—skills central to Key Stage 4 work.

At Key Stage 4, we offer GCSE Art and Design, with specialisms in Fine Art, Textiles, and Photography. These courses build on the creative processes practiced at Key Stage 3, allowing students to specialise and deepen their expertise. The skills learned—such as drawing, handling materials and equipment, making and and evaluation—are applied to more advanced projects, helping students refine their creative and technical abilities.

In Food Preparation and Nutrition, the curriculum is designed to develop healthy individuals with caring attitudes, empowering them to make positive contributions to their communities. It fosters a love of cooking and nurtures an interest in nutrition, helping students develop essential life skills.

In Year 7, students learn the importance of hygiene and safety, understanding the potential hazards when working in the technical area. They develop a basic understanding of nutrition through the Eatwell Guide, and in practical lessons, they build fundamental cooking skills that will form the foundation for further learning.

In Year 8, students extend their basic knowledge and skills, becoming more independent and confident in all areas of their work. This stage is designed to help them progress and further develop their talents in cooking and nutrition.

By Year 9, students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to create a variety of dishes, showcasing their ability to execute complex techniques. These dishes may include those originating from their own and international cultures, meals tailored to specific medical dietary needs, or dishes designed to support the nutritional requirements of different age groups.

The completion of the Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering Technical Award provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue post-16 options, including diplomas, apprenticeships, or direct experience in a professional kitchen environment.