Visual Art

Studying Art supports students to understand and embrace the visual world in which we live by learning through making. We encourage students to broaden both their practical skills and contextual analysis through a rigorous programme of study.

The department consists of highly knowledgeable teachers who are passionate about their subject. Teaching is predominantly practical underpinned by discourse making the courses accessible to a range of learning styles, as well as supportive of the students' ability to make meaningful artefacts.

Our aim is to promote a real enthusiasm for the study of Art by exposing students to a range of contexts, strategies, processes and materials to scaffold their understanding and practical skills to promote their personal attainment.  

Creativity is at the heart of the curriculum and students will learn to engage in a wide range of art movements, artists and strategies for making which foster independence as they progress through the school.

Key Stage 3, students study a range of topics that underpin the study of Art including drawing, colour and painting and three-dimensional work. Practical responses , contextual workshops and discussion will form a regular part of lessons.

Key Stage 4, we follow the Pearsons Art and Design specification. Students will have an option to choose to study Fine Art, Photography or Graphics at GCSE level.  Students will study a range of strategies for making use of a wide range of processes and materials to create sophisticated outcomes.  The course is 60% coursework and 40% externally set unit which includes an extended preparation time period.  

Key Stage 5, A-Level we follow the Pearsons specification.  Students will have an option to choose to study Fine Art, Photography or Graphics at A level. The topics are stimulating and demanding, and the course is highly valued by universities and involves engaging with challenging contextual ideas and sophisticated resolutions.   The course is 60% coursework and 40% externally set examination with an extended preparation period.  We aim to enable students to develop critical thinking skills, sophisticated resolutions and foster independent practice.