Art & Design Curriculum Page
🎨 Welcome to Art & Design at The Derby High School
At The Derby High School, the Art & Design department encourages creativity, confidence and independent expression. Students are introduced to a broad range of practical techniques while engaging with the rich history and context of visual art.
From drawing and painting to 3D work and mixed media, our curriculum is designed to build skills over time, preparing students for GCSE Art, Craft & Design or Photography, and inspiring future creative careers.
Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum enables students to:
- Develop practical and creative skills across varied materials and techniques
- Understand and explore historical, cultural and contemporary art and design
- Reflect on their own ideas and the work of others
- Build a personal, creative portfolio of work through investigation, experimentation and refinement
Our subject is built around the school’s core RESILIENCE principles:
R – Real World
E – Engaging & Enriching
S – Skills for Life
I – Inclusive
L – Leadership
I – Independence
E – Encourages Reflection
N – Next Steps
C – Challenge
E – Ethics & Empathy
Curriculum Overview
| Year | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Baseline Drawing & Colour Theory Artists: Amira Gale, Georgia O’Keeffe | Observational Drawing & Materials Exploration | Bugs & Birds – Pattern, Design & 3D Artists: Mark Hearld, Rosalind Monks, Abby Diamond |
| 8 | Mexican Day of the Dead (Clay Relief) Artist: Pristina Cartera Turkas | Pop Art – Food Focus Artists: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Sarah Graham | War & Conflict (Print & Collage) Artists: Louis Forain, Kurt Schwitters |
| 9 | Portraiture – Facial Features Artists: Luke Dixon, Justin Maas | Architecture Artists: Ian Murphy, Ruth Allen, Stephen Wiltshire | Under the Microscope (Abstract/3D) Artists: Klari Reis, Fredrick Elfving |
| 10 | Natural Forms – Skills Project Artist: Karl Blossfeldt | Organisms – Clay/Textiles Artists: Ernst Haeckel, Bruce Riley, Alice Ballard, William Kidd | Thematic Project & Mock Exam |
| 11 | Externally Set Assignment Preparation for 10-Hour Exam | Coursework Completion & Final Portfolio | Final Assessment Covering AO1–AO4 |
Progression & Careers
Post-16 Destinations Include:
- Holy Cross College: A-Level Art, Graphics, Photography, Textiles
- Bury College: A-Level Art & Design, UAL L2/L3, Theatrical Make-Up, Games Design
Creative Career Pathways:
- Architecture
- Fashion Design & Marketing
- Film, TV & Set Design
- Art Therapy
- Illustration & Printmaking
- Graphic Design
- Photography & Journalism
- Gallery/Museum Work
- Interior, Costume & Theatre Design
Supporting Your Child at Home
For KS3:
- Encourage sketching and personal projects at home
- Talk about the artists they’re learning and research their work together
- Visit local galleries or explore online exhibitions
For KS4:
- Help manage deadlines and coursework planning
- Provide space and materials to experiment with techniques
- Discuss their exam project and give feedback on their ideas