The aims of our art curriculum are to stimulate, encourage and develop:
- confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of achievement in the practice of Art and Design
- an ability to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile form
- an ability to record from direct observation and personal experience
- the technical competence and manipulative skills necessary to form, compose and communicate in two and three dimensions
- knowledge of a working vocabulary relevant to the subject
- the ability to organise and relate abstract ideas to practical outcomes
- experimentation and innovation through the inventive use of materials and techniques
- intuitive and imaginative responses showing critical and analytical faculties
- an interest in, and a critical awareness of, environments and cultures.
The Key Stage 3 curriculum in Years 7 to 9 provides students with a solid foundation for IGCSE Art in Years 10 and 11.
In Year 7, students begin with learning how to draw still life. They also explore Chinese and Japanese painting as well as Medieval art. These topics are complemented by skills development in understanding how to use oil pastels, ink, watercolor and colour pencils respectively.
In Year 8, the curriculum delves into oceanic art. They also complete a unit on the human body and explore digital art, photomontage as well as drawing of a mannequin. Finally, they revisit still life and they deepen their skills by learning how to render this using paint.
Year 9 focuses on topics such as linear perspective, German Expressionism and a unit on sculpture based on the artist Wayne Thiebaud. These years provide students with essential knowledge and skills to understand architecture, printing and ceramics respectively.
In Year 10 students complete three projects with an emphasis on observational drawing and painting, graphic design and printmaking, three-dimensional studies and analysis of an artwork.
They record their experience and media trials on preparation sheets. At the end of the third term, they choose an area of study for their coursework and exam in Year 11 based on what they have enjoyed the most.
The journey into Key Stage 5 prepares students for the academically rigorous IB Diploma Visual Arts course. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, art analysis, and exploring a variety of two- and three-dimensional media.
In Year 12 (IB1), students pick their theme and study a range of media including, but not limited to, oil painting, photography, graphic design and sculpture. All work is recorded in their process portfolio. They complete their comparative study and research the work of various artists and how this impacts their own art making.
Year 13 (IB2) builds on these foundations, and they delve deeper into their chosen theme and complete artworks in medias of their choice. Students refine their ability to complete documenting their work into their process portfolio.
The curriculum also includes the IB-2 Art Exhibition which is curated by them. They display their selected artworks and write their curatorial rationale and exhibition texts. This holistic approach not only prepares students for the IB assessments but also cultivates a lifelong interest in visual arts, equipping them with analytical and evaluative skills essential for university and beyond​.