The department is committed to providing all our pupils with a wide range of rich and stimulating learning experiences through the study of art, craft and design. They are encouraged to positively participate in a wide variety of activities that provide a thorough grounding in the key principles and practices of the subject and are able to explore a diverse range of media as they develop ideas and produce their personal work.

Pupils are supported by teaching that values and seeks to stimulate creativity and individual responses to given starting points. They are encouraged to become competent, confident and increasingly independent learners as they respond visually to what they see, think and feel. Pupils learn about the work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and particular emphasis is place on the work of contemporary practitioners. They are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and evaluation skills and to be inquisitive, since it is vital that they learn to appreciate, understand and become informed about the visual world.

The department also offers a range of complementary and enriching learning opportunities through such provision as extra-curricular art clubs and on occasions to work with artists-in-residence and visits to art galleries in the region.

Art, Craft and Design Department - Introduction