​Within the whole KS3/4/5 curriculums, the Art department are committed to the wellbeing and learning experiences of all students. Through our nurturing personas and skillset building, helps to build and sustain their self-esteem within the subject. To help build this self-esteem, all students are encouraged to FAIL (First attempt in learning) when using a variety of media and materials to help gain their confidence. Through this deliverance, many students build confidence to cope with setbacks and learn from mistakes and experience, helping to break the ‘perfectionist’ mould that many girls have within the subject.

All SOW within KS3/4/5 encourage students to research and analyse artists from various cultural and social backgrounds that relate to their idea development.  Through this idea development, students are encouraged to express their feelings throughout their work. This is usually very prominent within KS4/5 with personal investigation units, where students discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and respond to very personal experiences. (Relationships/ friendships/ health issues etc).  Many students explore deeper and more in-depth subject matter, which can often stir inner emotions, which are dealt with in the strictest of confidence within the safe guarding team. With students disclosing personal concerns/ ideas within their work, all students form and maintain a worthwhile and satisfying relationship with their peers and teachers.

With Art being a very reflective and personal curriculum, we always encourage students to reflect on their progress and ideas within their practical work and to help them build their confidence in publically expressing their ideas among their peer group. Through this discussion of ideas, students are encouraged to inspire each other always reflecting on their actions and are very forgiving of themselves and others, making the learning environment within art an inclusive one.

With many students accessing their research methods through the internet and android devises, all students are made aware of the viewing of appropriate imagery to relate to their researching ideas. With the new challenges of life and work/ life demand, many students are reminded  about their use of time management/ balancing their Art studies with their other subject demands( KS4/5). Through digital research methods, helps to prevent wasteful paper consumption with many students encouraged to use recycled materials within their work to develop their ideas and helps show respect for the environment.

Through the academic year, the Art department frequently contribute to the pupil’s social development, encouraging numerous students to participate in whole school incentives including site specific artworks/ murals/ drama production backdrops/ external competitions. Through this team work ethos, encourages a sense of belonging and willingness to participate and respect their school environment. The Art department participate in wider community events, helping to fundraise for the school including Christmas fairs and charity fund raising events.

Key Stage 5 Art, Craft and Design / Photography

What you will study:

In the two year KS5 Linear A Level course, students are introduced to various Art/Photo techniques to inform responses to researched artists. Through structured teacher led workshops, students gain confidence in using informed contemporary / traditional disciplines including painting, print making and photography( digital and manual darkroom).

​Experimentation with media allows students to develop ideas to produce a final piece.

Students study for the AQA A Level Art, Craft & Design (7201) or Photography (7206) qualification.