The programme and content of study vary each year in Art, though it is consistently underpinned by drawing as a recording and communication tool. Additionally, the structure and importance of the creative process (research, recording, development and experimentation) are embedded throughout all the Key Stage 3 classes to prepare students for the demands and expectations of Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 examination courses.

In Key Stage 4, the GCSE Art & Design course will build upon skills taught in Key Stage 3, such as printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, lens light media, textiles, painting and drawing. Students can experiment with different art materials, from 3D design to graphic communications, through various techniques and approaches. Some practical areas covered in Design Technology will also be highly relevant to this course.

In Key Stage 3, students will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative design and making process. They will work in various domestic and local contexts (for example, the home, health, leisure and culture) and industrial contexts (for example, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and energy).

The curriculum has four main themes: Design, Make, Evaluate and Technical expertise.

During the IGCSE Design & Technology course, students will identify design opportunities, find ways to improve designs and incorporate technological improvements. They will also explore a variety of media and use a range of equipment to produce models and mock-ups to explore a design problem.

For the theory element of the A level Design Technology course students will develop an awareness of the significance of design and technology to society, learn more about production processes and industrial practices and develop critical evaluation skills which can be employed in a variety of technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts. students will learn how to apply this knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and the processes used in product design and manufacture.

The purpose of this component is to undertake a small- scale design, make and evaluate project which will test students’ skills in designing and making a prototype. Students will need to individually analyse a given contextual challenge, set by the examination board, Edexcel.

In the Art and Design A level course, students learn skills which include traditional drawing, painting and sculpture, alongside the more contemporary areas such as printmaking. Through practical work students will have the opportunity to develop these interests further.

Students are encouraged to explore media and other artists work to the full, in order to best express your ideas and develop your skills.

Students will complete two units of work in AS and a further two in A Level. Students will develop skills in a variety of media in response to themes set by the teacher and the examination board. Students will explore images, artifacts and resources relating to a wide range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times. They will respond to these through practical and critical activities. All students will be introduced to ideas, processes, materials and techniques relevant to different aspects of art and design. Assignments will explore drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed-media and contextual study work which will inform coursework and also contribute to a portfolio for application to Art foundation courses.