Curriculum Statement - Art, Craft and Design

Powerful Knowledge in Art, Craft and Design

Our curriculum aims to give students access to the powerful knowledge that underpins creativity and artistic expression. We believe that true creativity comes from a combination of skill and understanding. By making this knowledge explicit and teaching the practical skills to apply it, we enable students to develop confidence in their ideas and the ability to express them effectively.

The Art, Craft & Design curriculum is deliberately and coherently sequenced to help students make sense of both the history of art and its place in the modern world. Students explore how art has evolved over time and how it reflects and shapes society. They will engage with a wide range of artists, movements, and cultural influences, discovering the universal themes that connect creative work across centuries and continents.

Our approach ensures that knowledge and skill are taught to be remembered and mastered, not just encountered. Students will revisit key concepts and practical techniques throughout their learning journey, building depth and confidence. Alongside developing technical ability, such as drawing, painting, and working with different materials, we place a strong emphasis on visual literacy and vocabulary, enabling students to analyse, evaluate, and discuss art with clarity and insight.

Domains of Knowledge

• Practical Knowledge
  Artistic skill is the application of practical knowledge. It involves proficiency in utilising various tools and materials, enabling students to execute artistic processes effectively. For example, observational drawing is introduced through a range oof techniques such as measured drawing, grid drawing, and finger-measured techniques etc. These methods are explicitly taught and revisited throughout KS3 to build confidence and establish clear processes. As students’ progress, scaffolding is gradually removed, allowing greater independence and personal expression.
• Theoretical Knowledge
  Students develop an understanding of key concepts, art movements, and their evolution over time. Movements such as the Renaissance, Impressionism, and Cubism reflect changes in society, culture, and technology. For instance, Renaissance art focused on realism, while Cubism fragmented objects into geometric forms. Art evolves in response to social, political, and technological changes ensuring its relevance in reflecting and challenging the world.
• Disciplinary Knowledge
  Students learn to question and debate the value, meaning, and role of art in society. For example, Abstract Expressionism prioritised emotional expression through non-representational forms, sparking debates about whether art needs recognisable subjects. Dadaism challenged traditional expectations by presenting ordinary objects as art, prompting discussions about what defines artistic value.

Curriculum Features

Our curriculum is designed to challenge students, fostering a passion for experimentation and exploration while ensuring they develop the skills to bring their ideas to life. It is rich in practical knowledge and mastery of skill, aiming to create not only technically skilled artists but thoughtful, engaged individuals who understand the transformative power of art and its ability to reflect, challenge, and shape society.

As part of their experience in Art, Craft & Design, students will explore and reflect on key ideas:

• To develop the ability to draw exploring a range of techniques.
• To explore techniques, materials and ideas and regularly return to these elements to support mastery.
• To have the opportunity to produce artworks and artefacts within the fields of Art, Craft & Design, while developing an enjoyment of the subject.
• To investigate ideas through visual language and build an understanding of design process.
• Behind every artwork there is an intention and a message.
• To engage with artists, craftspeople and designers within a range of contexts and apply understanding to practical tasks.
• To develop confidence in oracy and rhetoric, while forming opinions and an understanding of Art, Craft & Design throughout history and in today’s society.
• Developing the use of visual language by seeing, understanding, questioning and practicing.
• To engage with Art, Craft & Design and build an understanding of careers and job roles within the fields.

Co Curriculum Enrichment

Students’ experience of Art, Craft & Design is enriched through opportunities beyond the classroom. These experiences deepen their understanding of creativity and its role in the world. Our offer includes:

• Open Studio: Lunchtime and after-school sessions for KS4 students.
• Sketch Club: A KS3 independent sketchbook club.
• Art ambassador workshops
• Competitions, trips, and specialist workshops.
• Visits to galleries and cultural sites, and projects that link art with science, religion, and culture.

These opportunities encourage students to challenge ideas, develop their own interpretations, and build the confidence to express themselves, skills that are vital for success both in school and in life.