The Art Department aims to give students confidence in their own creative abilities and self-expression in a wide range of media and disciplines. Students also study a wide range of artistic styles and movements, individual artists, designers and art in a range of cultures. Specialist terms and techniques are also studied.

All students study Art for three years at Key Stage 3; they can then choose Art as an optional subject for two years at Key Stage 4. In Year 7 students are taught basic skills in drawing and shading, composition and contextual studies.

In Year 8 these skills are built upon using other artists’ techniques, perspective and the contextual studies will take in the culture of other countries. In Year 9 the students will work more imaginatively and explore ideas and use a combination of media. They will learn how to present their ideas and research onto prepared sheets and how to work to a final outcome. All students will be provided with their first sketch book in Year 7.

If students opt to study Art at GCSE they will take the AQA fine art option. Students will follow a basic foundation course of six weeks, enhancing drawing and painting skills, before starting their first major project. Two projects, including their mock exam will be completed, plus a ten-hour controlled test. The course work of projects and research accounts for 60% and the controlled test 40% of the final grade.