The Importance of Art, Craft & Design

In art, craft and design, pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. Pupils work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. Pupils learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made.

In art, craft and design, pupils reflect critically on their own and other people's work, judging quality, value and meaning. They learn to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of art, craft and design, and its role in the creative and cultural industries that enrich their lives.



Key Stage 2 pupils are taught three topics over three terms, areas covered include:

Painting and Drawing
Colour Mixing
3-D Creations and Modeling
Observational Drawing


At Key Stage 3 pupils are taught three topics over three terms, areas covered include:

Year 7

Autumn:     Victor Vasarely (Colour studies)
Spring:       Hundertwasser (pattern and Texture)
Summer:   Gaudi/ Mosaics (3-D work)

Year 8

Autumn:     African art (Investigating other cultures & extended patterns)
Spring:       Munch/ Kandinsky (Representation/Modern art)
Summer:   John Nolan (Linear drawing and painting)

Year 9

Autumn:     Pop art (Andy Warhol) & Perspective Drawing
Spring:       Money (Whole school target, Clay coins)
Summer:   Chuck Close (Portraits/Modern art)


Key Stage 4, Years 10 & 11

Pupils follow the WJEC entry level certificate course or GCSE in Art &Design leading, where appropriate, to examination entry in year 11. In year 10 pupils work on the coursework element of assessment, which is composed of three different units: Drawing and Painting; Printmaking/ Batik and 3D Design.

There is also a theme 'Natural Forms', which pupils are expected to respond to across various areas of their coursework. The course aims to develop pupils' experience and creative learning, and give them a broader visual vocabulary and familiarity with a wide range of media.

Much emphasis is placed on the ability to carry out procedures according to instructions and with due regard for safety, working independently as well as cooperatively within a group. Pupils work to develop practical and critical responses to the work of others, including artists, craft workers and designers.