Art & Design and Photography

Curriculum Summary

Please click on the link below to access the Art & Design Curriculum Summary document:

Subject Intent

The Art & Design department aims to make Art and creativity accessible and inclusive for all. We aim to encourage students to extend, explore and expand their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. We aim to inspire students by introducing them to Formal Elements, artists, craftspeople, designers and movements in art, alongside a variety of art made across different time periods, cultures and countries. We aim to expand student knowledge and understanding by putting into context different periods of art history. We aim to expand student independent thinking and challenge pre -conceived ideas, encouraging them to develop their own opinions, be able to justify these and broaden their own cultural capital. We aim to enhance skills both physical and analytical, to communicate concepts, experiences and ideas in a wide range of media. We aim to develop knowledge, inspire and enthuse students creating ‘awe and wonder’ encouraging students to question, query and analyse. We aim to enhance and enrich students' educational experience by encouraging them to express themselves creatively, to feel confident exploring media and to be able to express their own feelings and opinions fluently whether in the written or visual form.

Excellence Statement

An excellent student in Art will display an exceptional ability to show understanding of artists, art history and be able to discuss and compare relevant practitioners studied. They should show exceptional skill across a range of media and be able to independently analyse materials and techniques, showing an analytical understanding of media, processes and formal elements. They should be able to problem solve, question, offer opinions and evaluate their work as it progresses. They should be able to draw links between their ideas and their judgements, recognising the need for refinement. They should be able to work independently and be passionate about the subject, producing work that is competent, personal and meaningful. Students should have drive and ambition and be creative; above all they should have a love for the subject Art.

Qualifications and Revision Websites

AQA GCSE Art, Craft and Design