Art

The Arts nurtures imagination, expression, and critical thinking through the exploration of materials, techniques and concepts. Students are encouraged to take creative risks in a safe, inclusive space that celebrates individuality and freedom of thought – the lifeblood of democracy. By exploring art through varied historical lenses, students gain cultural insight and appreciate diverse perspectives. They learn to observe, interpret, and evaluate artworks and artefacts, responding with their own thoughtful outcomes. Exhibiting student work is central to our ethos, building a sense of belonging and pride throughout the school community. We believe interdisciplinary teaching builds transferable skills and creative insight, empowering students to think laterally across life and learning.

Department Team

Mrs S. Fry - Head of Art
Mrs B. Knapp - Teacher of Art
Mrs H. Mannheimer - Technician

Curriculum at a glance

Key Stage 3

From Years 7 to 9, students embark on a creative journey that integrates environment, identity, architecture, spirituality, and cultural imagination:

Year 7: Exploration begins with nature and ecosystems, grounding artistic observational drawing skills in line, tone, and colour. These foundations expand into expressions of identity through portraiture and collage.

Year 8: The focus shifts to architecture, exploring how built environments harmonise with nature and ecosystems while reflecting both personal and collective identity. Spirituality and abstraction enrich this connection, linking design to emotional well‑being.

Year 9: Theatre and film connect earlier themes of environment, identity and spirituality. Followed by surrealism which bridges subconscious imagination with technology, culminating in game design that opens pathways to creative careers.

Key Stage 4

In Year 10, project planning sheets, workshops, and tutorials establish strong foundations, guiding students in the exam boards criteria and building confidence. By Year 11, learners apply this understanding to their NEA projects, making selective, purposeful choices of mediums, processes, and artists. This progression ensures independence, creativity and clarity in meeting specification requirements.

Key Stage 5

A level Fine Art develops GCSE foundations into a more advanced, independent practice. It prioritises autonomy, critical inquiry, and refined decision-making, encouraging students to form deeper personal connections across complex themes.Through sustained analysis of their own work and engagement with historical and contemporary art, learners gain contextual awareness and intellectual rigour. This progression fosters creative confidence, enabling purposeful experimentation with diverse materials and processes, while articulating ideas with clarity and depth that meet the demands of advanced study and beyond.

Studio Facilities

Our department offers dynamic, experimental workshops that immerse students in a rich variety of 2D and 3D materials, techniques and processes. From traditional craftsmanship to contemporary innovation, we guide students as they develop, articulate, and refine their artistic voice. We offer a wide range of specialist resources, including:

• Fully equipped ceramic studio with kiln
• Professional printmaking tools and workspaces
• Laptops, complete with Adobe Photoshop
• Reference library for art history

Studio Display

The Art Department proudly showcases student work throughout classrooms and corridors, with vibrant displays regularly updated to reflect all year groups.

We host an annual summer exhibition, where families and visitors are invited to celebrate the creative achievements of our GCSE and A level students. Highlights from our displays and exhibitions are shared on the school’s social media channels, inviting the wider community to celebrate the talent of our young artists.

Enrichment

Our enrichment programme provides diverse and inspiring opportunities that challenge and broaden students’ horizons. Highlights include visits to renowned cultural venues such as the Henry Moore Sculpture Park, Kettle’s Yard Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum and the Tate Modern. Students also participate in competitions, benefit from alumni talks and attend professional artist workshops across disciplines including textiles and mixed media. Sixth form students benefit from formal life drawing sessions that refine anatomical technique and strengthen university applications.

Support

We publish an annual timetable of support, catch up sessions and workshops to students, parents and carers. Our open-door policy encourages students to drop in at break and lunchtimes if they need support from staff and their peers.

Beyond the Curriculum

Our students learn to think independently, embrace challenges, and express ideas with confidence, building versatile skills that open doors to every university pathway and prepare them for life beyond education.