In Creative Industries we develop functional skills to access further learning by:
Maths: We merge maths skills into the creative industries in a practical and meaningful way, linked directly to real life creative activities. This helps students see the purpose of maths and how to confidently use it in every day situations. We do this through tasks such as planning and budgeting for creative projects and understanding pay, wages and hours within the creative industries. Measuring, scaling, ratios and timings are used frequently within art, crafts, makeup and music. We gradually build students functional maths skills throughout creative industry lessons, allowing them to develop their numeracy at a pace that feels achievable. By embedding maths into creative tasks, students begin to recognise how it is used in every day life.
English: During creative industries, students are encouraged to share ideas, present their work and partake in class discussions that helps build their confidence in good communication skills. We allow students to improve their reading, writing and speaking skills at a pace that feels manageable. These tailored lessons allow a low- pressure environment where tasks are broken down to meet individual needs both academically and creatively. Students develop reading skills by exploring creative career paths, researching artists linked to their art projects and learning new skills. Writing tasks are woven into creative work. Developing and refining these skills enables students to thrive in everyday life, further education and within the creative industries as well as enabling them to plan, explain and reflect on their ideas whether it be arts, crafts, music or makeup.
Providing a wide range of opportunities to broaden students’ curiosity, strengths and resilience
We provide students with varied hands on opportunities inside and out of the classroom that encourage curiosity, confidence and resilience through a combination of creative projects and career focused learning. Students are supported to discover their existing strengths, recognise areas of growth and challenge themselves. Throughout this subject students will learn about the wide scope of creative career opportunities from local to global and everything in between. They are given the opportunity to create their own self set briefs within personal projects, craft making, working with mixed media and printing. We focus on experimentation with different materials and being able to refine our work over time. This process and these projects help students develop independence, resilience and problem-solve whilst learning that progress comes through exploring and perseverance. We have off site projects involving DJing, music production and IT technology. Students are regularly encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone and partake in these experiences to broaden their horizon and introduce new skill sets. During all of these activities and more, students are challenging their ability to adapt, learn and succeed.
Empowering students with the knowledge and skills to lead productive, healthy and safe futures
Creative industries help students develop skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. We do this through practical projects in art, crafts, music, makeup and more. Students are encouraged to understand their own strengths, follow projects they are passionate about and develop their creative skills in areas they love. By using their artistic flare alongside the career focused knowledge, they learn to play to their strengths, build confidence and resilience in a way that feels meaningful and enjoyable. Overall they are given the tools to support them in making informed choices about their positive futures and giving back to society in a safe way that suits them and their chosen path.
KS4 GCSE Art and Design Options Course
Students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to their chosen title through integrated practical, critical and contextual study that encourages direct engagement with original works and practice.
Students may work in any medium or combination of media. They can work entirely in digital media or entirely non-digital media, or in a mixture of both, to meet the assessment objectives.
Students will learn through practical experience and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sources that inform their creative intentions. Intentions should be realised through purposeful engagement with visual language, visual concepts, media, materials and the application of appropriate techniques and working methods.
Students will develop and apply relevant subject-specific skills in order to use visual language to communicate personal ideas, meanings and responses. Each pupil will develop a portfolio based on their personal interests which aids motivation and variety.
The course delivered at GCSE is Art, Craft and Design.
This title promotes learning across a variety of experiences and through various processes, tools, techniques, materials and resources to generate different kinds of evidence of working and outcomes. Emphasis is on an increased breadth of approach commensurate in demand with the other titles.
Students will learn how sources inspire the development of ideas.
Work will be influenced by the work and approaches of artists, craftspeople or designers from contemporary and historical contexts, periods, societies and cultures
A range of contemporary and/or historical environments, situations or issues may be used to develop themes and focuses of portfolios.
Overview/intent
At Key Stage 3, pupils have two Art lessons each week. The Art curriculum is designed to foster creativity and engagement, while giving pupils an insight into what studying Art at Key Stage 4 may look like should they choose to continue with the subject. Lessons encourage pupils to explore materials, experiment with different techniques, and experience the therapeutic benefits of creating art, helping them develop focus, confidence, and a sense of achievement.
Art also links closely with Transition and Cooking, reinforcing the same soft skills taught in those subjects. These include personal, social and emotional development, communication and language through discussion and reflection, and a strong focus on expressive arts and design. This helps pupils develop a sense of self, build confidence, and apply these skills across the wider curriculum.
Schemes of work are underpinned by the study of specific artists linked to each topic. This gives pupils a window into what future Art study might look like, while also encouraging enjoyment, pride in what they produce, and improved self esteem through creative achievement.
Implementation
At Key Stage 3, each Art session gives pupils the opportunity to explore their own ideas and passions while using the art practice they are studying as a grounding. Lessons combine discussion, demonstration, and practical work, allowing pupils to develop both knowledge and hands-on skills. Pupils develop their skills gradually throughout the year, improving confidence, creativity, and independence in their art practice.
The Art curriculum covers a range of topics across the year, including:
• Formal elements of Art
• Graffiti
• Shape and portraiture
• Collage and layering
• Sweet treats
Within Art, the primary focus is on expressive arts and design, encouraging pupils to develop their own creativity and style. Alongside this, lessons continue to develop the same key skills as in Transition and Cooking, including personal, social and emotional development through collaborative work, communication and language through discussion and reflection, and a broader understanding of the world through exploring different styles and artists.
Through these activities, pupils gain confidence in producing and sharing their work, experience enjoyment in creating art, and take pride in what they achieve. The curriculum also provides a window into what future Art study might look like, helping pupils see the possibilities beyond Key Stage 3.