‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’    Albert Einstein

The Art Department at Whitworth Community High School aims to deliver a broad, engaging, and inclusive curriculum that inspires all students to develop their creativity, critical thinking, independence and confidence through a wide variety of artistic experiences. 

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum (aligned with the National Curriculum) is designed to ensure that all pupils:

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences through a wide range of media, techniques, and processes
• become increasingly 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, developing critical thinking and reflective practice
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

Throughout KS3, students will:

• explore and learn to control the formal elements of art: line, tone, shape, form, colour, texture and space
• develop understanding and application of compositional techniques and many of the principles of art including balance, contrast, pattern, proportion and harmony
• explore and refine their use of a wide range of media and techniques including drawing, watercolour paint, acrylic paint, ink, mono printing, block printing, mixed media, sculpture and ceramics
• investigate a diverse range of artists and movements, from classical to contemporary, national to global
• develop an appreciation of the role art plays in society and cultures around the world
• learn to take creative risks, solve problems visually, and articulate their ideas with increasing sophistication

Our KS3 curriculum provides a strong foundation for the further study of art at GCSE level. This option is open to all pupils and follows the AQA Art, Craft and Design specification.