The WOW Factor of our Art Department

Our Art Department is a vibrant and inspiring hub of creativity where students are encouraged to express themselves and push the boundaries of their imagination. What makes our department truly stand out is the amazing artwork our students produce – from powerful paintings and intricate sculpture to innovative digital designs, there’s always something incredible on display.

We don’t just stay within the classroom walls – our students regularly enter art and design competitions, and we were proud to come second in a prestigious local design competition judged by our local MP. Opportunities like these give pupils a real taste of the creative industry and celebrate their talents beyond school.

We also offer exciting trips to galleries, museums, and creative events to spark inspiration and broaden artistic horizons. In addition, pupils can take advantage of extra support sessions after school, where they can refine their techniques, work on coursework, or try out new ideas in a relaxed and supportive environment.

We’re thrilled to announce that a brand-new building with state-of-the-art facilities will be opening in November 2025, providing even more space and resources to support our students’ creative journeys.

Our curriculum is designed to keep pupils engaged and excited – we work with a wide variety of materials and techniques, from traditional methods to modern multimedia. With dynamic, passionate teaching methods, our dedicated team ensures that every lesson is both challenging and enjoyable.

At the heart of it all, our Art Department is a place where creativity thrives, talents are nurtured, and students are inspired to achieve their best.

Art Department: Intent, Implementation, Impact

Intent

Inspired by the scripture “I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me”, our Art Department believes that every child has the potential to create, explore, and express themselves with confidence and purpose. We provide an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that nurtures creativity as a reflection of God’s own creativity, encouraging students to grow in faith, self-belief, and resilience.

Our intent is to equip all students with the technical skill, visual literacy, and critical thinking needed to make meaningful artwork. Through a broad exploration of artists, cultures, and ideas, students develop a strong sense of identity, empathy, and spiritual awareness.

Implementation
The curriculum is carefully structured to ensure clear progression in knowledge, skills, and understanding. Projects are designed to revisit and deepen key concepts over time, while allowing students to explore personal ideas and respond to big questions about the world and their place in it.

Students work with a wide range of materials and approaches—from traditional techniques to contemporary practices—linking their creative journey to various themes. Artistic study is enriched by exploring diverse artists and cultures, including those who express their spirituality through their work. Assessment is continuous and formative, with regular feedback, peer discussion, and reflection.

Impact
Students leave us as confident, creative individuals who understand how to express themselves visually and think critically. Through faith and creativity, students grow in confidence and use art to express who they are and what they stand for.

Our learners achieve well, and many choose to continue their art education at GCSE and beyond. More importantly, they grow in resilience, humility, and self-worth; living out the belief that, strengthened by God, they can achieve anything they set their hearts and minds to.

GCSE Results 2024

Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11) GCSE

The course provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests in art and design in ways that are personally relevant and truly developmental in nature.

They will develop existing physical and perceptual skills through drawing and painting from observation as well as printmaking, 3D Sculpture, experimental mixed media work and sketchbook work.

Assessment is based upon a coursework portfolio which will provide evidence of at least two projects completed during the course and an externally set exam. Current GCSE coursework projects include:

• Distorted Portraits
• Fantastic and Strange
• Exam Project 

AQA GCSE Fine Art syllabus

Coursework (60% of the total GCSE) At least two full projects completed in Year 10 and 11.

Exam (40% of the total GCSE) Exam Preparation Time (approx. 8 – 12 weeks). Final Exam 10 hours completed in Year 11 at Easter time.

External Art Resources

Tate Galleries

Saatchi Gallery

National Portrait Gallery