At Key Stage 3 our students work through a series of structured thematic projects understanding the process of producing work from initial ideas to completed outcome. They learn to use their sketchbooks as a working tool to develop their ideas, experiment with media and record their research.

In years 10 and 11 students have the option of studying Art and Design at IGCSE through the Cambridge exam board. The course comprises of a coursework and examined unit with equal mark weighting. In year 10 students are introduced to printing, ceramics, acrylic and water colour techniques, whilst continuing to develop their basic drawing skills. By year 11 students revisit their projects from year 10 and then through discussion with their teacher decide on a theme that they would like to investigate for their coursework project. Independence and individuality are encouraged in the choices and decisions that the students make in the production of their work.

By Key Stage 5 students have the option of studying AS to A2 Art and Design, again with Cambridge Exam board. By this stage, students are working in class and tutorial based environments, and by developing their skills through a series of specialist workshops. Our aim is to prepare students and equip them with the independent skills relevant for the working environment they will experience on higher education courses.

Students develop their skills and knowledge in ceramics, textiles, photography, ICT, a range of wet and dry media, printing techniques, art history and contextual studies through delivery in class and by visiting local exhibitions and artist visits.

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6th Form Art Project.
At the moment 6th form students are involved in a volunteer project helping to teach art to a local group of blind, deaf and disabled children on a Friday afternoon.  The project has been set up a charity, CHETNA and the UN Spouses Association of Bonn. Our students are assisting local artist Sarita Dongal in workshops with small groups of children whilst also devising and running their own art based activities. The aim of the project is to start to equip the children with skills that will be useful to them gaining employment when they leave education. At the end of the project an exhibition of the children’s work will be held. So far this has been an amazing experience for all those involved and we’re looking forward to seeing the results of this collaborative project over the coming months.