The Creative Arts Faculty intends to deliver a vibrant and dynamic curriculum from Year 7 - 13 which gives students the freedom to explore their creativity, inspires design ideas, whilst equipping them with the skills to continue the subject with confidence at GCSE, A-Level and beyond.   

Students are encouraged to strive for excellence and take risks in their work. Our students develop an appreciation of art, craft and design, and their role in the creative and cultural industries that will enrich their lives.   

We have two fully equipped specialist art rooms where all pupils work with a wide variety of media and techniques, including drawing, painting, printing, textiles, relief, mixed media and sculpture.    

Co-Curricular Enrichment   

• Trip to Kew Gardens  
• Trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum  
• Lunchtime and after school GCSE and A-Level sessions  
• GCSE and A-Level exhibition in June.  

KS3 (Year 7 – 9)  

All students study art in Key Stage 3 according to the National Curriculum. They are assessed during and at the end of each project, and current projects for the year include:  

• Year 7 – Formal elements, botanicals and landscapes.  
• Year 8 – Identity, culture and under the sea.  
• Year 9 – Food illustration and architecture.   

GCSE (Year 10 – 11)  

Students considering a career in art are encouraged to take GCSE and A-Level Art, Craft and Design. However, the creative arts promote abstract and analytical thinking, moulding students into creative thinkers, a skill that is desirable across different industries.  GCSE Art, Craft and Design promotes creativity and learning across a variety of experiences and through various processes, tools, techniques, materials and resources.   

The course comprises of two components. Component 1 is the portfolio (coursework), is worth 60% of the overall grade and explores the theme of ‘Natural Forms’.  Component 2 is the externally set assignment and is worth 40% of the overall grade and is a 10-hour examination over two days.  For more information on the GCSE course, download our GCSE Options Guide below.  

A-Level (Year 12 – 13)   

A-Level Art, Craft and Design explores a variety of different specialisms, experimenting with a range of materials including drawing, painting, printing, textiles, relief, mixed media and sculpture.  The course consists of two components. Component 1 is a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. Component 2 is an externally set assignment demonstrating a student’s ability to produce sustained work from an initial starting point to a realisation, applying the skills acquired during the first part of the course. This component is a 15-hour exam.   

For more information on the A-Level Art, Craft and Design course grade requirements, download a copy of the Sixth Form Prospectus here.  For more information on the course content, download a copy of the A-Level Options Guide below.