Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.  

As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of the world. 

Aims 

We follow the UK national curriculum for art and design which aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design 
• Know about great artists, craft -makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Attainment targets 

By the end of KS3, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the concepts, skills and processes specified in the programme of study 

As part of their studies at iGCSE, students will gain: 

• an ability to record from direct observation and personal experience 
• an ability to identify and solve problems in visual and/or other forms 
• creativity, visual awareness, critical and cultural understanding 
• an imaginative, creative and personal response 
• confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of achievement in the practice of art and design 
• growing independence in the refinement and development of ideas and personal outcomes 

• engagement and experimentation with a range of media, materials and techniques, including new media and technologies, where appropriate. 
• experience of working in relevant frameworks and exploration of manipulative skills necessary to form, compose and communicate in two and/or three dimensions 
• a working vocabulary relevant to the subject and an interest in, and a critical awareness of, other practitioners, environments and cultures 
• investigative, analytical, experimental, interpretative, practical, technical and expressive skills which aid effective and independent learning 

Following the Cambridge International A Level Art programme helps students develop abilities which universities value highly, including: 

• a deep understanding of their subjects 
• higher-order thinking skills – analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, 
• presenting ordered and coherent arguments 
• independent learning and research. 

Cambridge International A Level Art & Design provides opportunities for learners to develop their personal practice, enrich their understanding of key concepts and improve their practical skills in a wide range of traditional and contemporary techniques. It allows learners to explore and build on their interests. The syllabus encourages independent expression and the development of a critical, reflective practice. 

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design encourages learners to be:  

confident, experimenting with media and materials in two- and three-dimensional processes, taking risks and improving technical skills to develop a personal artistic style 

responsible, taking charge of their own development as practitioners, with an independent approach to the creative process 

reflective, recording ideas and critically evaluating their work as they continually review, refine and adapt innovative, combining approaches and techniques and developing the skills to solve problems creatively 

engaged, enriching their work by exploring different artists, movements and concepts