Art and Design

The art and design department offers students many opportunities through the study of different disciplines to develop their knowledge and technical skills.

This large and popular department offers a wide range of specialisms to study including art, photography, 3D design, graphics and fashion textiles. All work is project based and builds on skills throughout the key stages. Extra-curricular activities are available for students at key stage 3, together with coursework support for those at key stage 4 and key stage 5.

The art and design department offers a range of facilities including a kiln, a dark room, two computer rooms with the full Adobe creative suite, CAD software with two large laser cutting machines, two 3D printers, two workshops, and a dedicated sixth form workshop. Sixth form students have their own designated studio space. Fashion and textiles students have access to two fully equipped, dedicated sewing rooms.

Over the past few years, students have had the opportunity to see the most exciting current exhibitions in London, as well as enjoy trips to Berlin, Barcelona and New York City and galleries such as The Tate galleries, V&A Museum, Photographer’s Gallery and The Design Museum.

Key Stage 3

What are the Big Ideas in art?

Line	Colour	Shape
Line is the foundation of all drawing and can be used to convey shape, movement and ideas.	Colour is the element we use to create the mood or atmosphere in an artwork.	Shape conveys the dynamic of the art, from strength and stability to imbalance and tension.

What topics are used to explore these ideas

Year group	Autumn term	Spring term	Summer term
In Year 7	Art and 3D – Embroidered hats	Art and 3D – Decorative frames	Art and Graphics – Type
In Year 8	Art and 3D – Furniture	Art and Graphics – Image and type	Art and Fashion – Tote bag
In Year 9	Art and Graphics – Poster design	Art and Fashion – Matisse-inspired shorts	Art and 3D – Architecture