Our ambitious and inclusive curriculum is designed to empower our students to become life-long learners and successful global citizens. Through a well-sequenced curriculum, we intend to embed knowledge and skills that challenge all learners. 

At Key Stage 3 our Arts and Technology Programme includes Art, Food Technology and Resistant Materials. 

In Art, students will learn how to use the formal elements of art (line, tone, colour, form, texture, shape, perspective) using a wide variety of materials. This will include drawing, painting, printing, collage, sculpture and digital art such as using image manipulation software such as Adobe Photoshop and making animations. 

In Food Technology, students will learn how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating, through a range of creative and practical activities. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables students to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.

In Resistant Materials, students will learn to research, design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users, through a range of creative and practical activities. They will learn to safely use a selection of tools, machinery and equipment in order to manipulate many different types of materials such as wood, plastics and metals.

At Key Stage 4 Students can choose from four Arts and Technology GCSEs in:

• Art, Craft and Design
• Graphic Communication
• Food Preparation and Nutrition
• Design and Technology

In GCSE Art, Craft and Design, students are actively encouraged to produce creative work from a personal perspective and explore individual expression. Students are supported to experiment widely and refine their skills through examining the world around them, analysing and reflecting on what is important to them and finding inspiration in the work of influential Artists and creators. In this way, students are able to express their own voice in a variety of modern and traditional art media, including paint, collage, clay modelling, photography and sculpture.

In GCSE Graphic Communication, students are actively encouraged to produce creative work from a personal perspective and explore individual expression. By studying GCSE Graphic Communication, students are supported to experiment widely and refine their skills through examining the world around them, analysing and reflecting on what is important to them and finding inspiration in the work of influential Designers and artists. In this way, students are able to express their own voice in a variety of design media, including animation, digital photography, mono and lino printing, collage, embossing and typography

In GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, students will learn practical cooking skills as well as develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, where foods come from and the working characteristics of food materials. Students will gain an understanding of the working characteristics of food and the functional and chemical properties of ingredients; they will contextualise this learning through trips to restaurants, meeting highly successful chefs and food retailers. Students will have the opportunity to undertake practical work in the kitchen and create their own menus and food plans as well as learning about food theory.

In GCSE Design and Technology, students will learn practical making and designing skills. They study a broad range of Design Technology subject areas before specialising in Resistant Materials. Students will research different products and the people who use them, before creating their own unique designs. The process will involve drafting and evaluating design images to communicate their design’s concepts. Students will gain an understanding of the working characteristics and properties of many different materials and textiles; they will handle a broad range of specialist tools, machinery and equipment as well as specialist ICT such as 2D Design and CADCAM.

The creative subjects exemplify and celebrate diversity. Our Enriched and Society- centred Curriculum contains reference to numerous artists and designers from traditionally under-represented groups and societies, especially contemporary practitioners who respond to current and relatable issues. 

Students are encouraged to take a personal stance on a diverse range of issues such as race, feminism, sexuality, gender, politics, divorce, conflict, current affairs, environmental concerns, cultural identity and British Asian Diaspora. Student’s own societal contexts are explored and this provides a rich cultural heritage to draw upon. As well as being an important part of Art and Design criteria, this develops Student’s confidence in articulating their own ‘voice’ and finding personal creative expression. Core British and Hestonian Values are addressed, alongside the individual values of the whole school community and its diverse cultural heritage.

To raise aspirations and allow our students to make informed decisions about their future, we provide subject specific careers education. GCSEs in Arts or Technology can be a gateway into many creative careers including graphic design, architecture, animation, illustration museum/gallery curation, product design or as a chef. 

Our Curriculum Maps outline our curriculum design and the development of knowledge and skills from Years 7-11. The curriculum is adapted to support and challenge students with different starting points, whilst remaining ambitious for all.