Creative and technical · KS3 & KS4
Art and Design
This curriculum instils a passion for art, craft and design. Pupils study a broad and diverse range of art and artists, and learn the knowledge and skills to develop their own reflective art practice.
2026/27 at a glance
Each year is split into Autumn, Spring and Summer. Scroll sideways on small screens, or use the year-by-year detail below.
| Year | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
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| Year 7KS3 |
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| Year 8KS3 |
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| Year 9KS3 |
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| Year 10KS4 |
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| Year 11KS4 |
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Year by year
Year 7 Key Stage 3
Autumn
- An overview of art Pupils build critical thinking by exploring art from different perspectives.
- An overview of craft The world of craft, its practices and significance, with hands-on projects.
Spring
- An overview of design What design is and the roles of designers and architects.
- The elements of art The basic elements of art and how artists use them in different ways.
Summer
- Art movements Analysing western art movements and their wider historical relevance.
- The importance of nature in art Art, artefacts and architecture inspired by nature from around the world.
Year 8 Key Stage 3
Autumn
- Textiles and the creative industries Careers in the creative industries, with a closer look at fashion.
- Being curious about spatial design and architecture Architecture and the built environment: form, volume, buildings and materials.
Spring
- Being curious about 3D design Sculptural forms, both organic and human-made.
- Abstract painting: sustainable materials Abstract painting and more sophisticated connections.
Summer
- Being curious about printing Essential printmaking skills and connections between media and materials.
- Collage and assemblage: sustainable materials Developing collage skills and showcasing strengths.
Year 9 Key Stage 3
Autumn
- The principles of art Building on the elements of art to explore more complex principles.
- Identity: exploring portraiture How portraiture expresses identity, culture and belief.
Spring
- Personal identity Self-expression, mapping and storytelling, and personal and universal themes.
- Social action How art can challenge ideas and influence decisions, alone or together.
Summer
- Connections: home, space and family Family in art and how ideas of family have changed over time.
- Art for life: expression and belonging How making art supports health, wellbeing and self-discovery.
Year 10 Key Stage 4
Autumn
- Foundation workshops: selecting primary sources and recording observations Key principles and the four assessment objectives through drawing activities.
- Foundation workshops: revisiting elements of art and principles of art Revisiting and reframing the elements and principles of art.
Spring
- Foundation workshops: an introduction to the areas of study The skills within each area of study.
- Finding your artistic voice: an introduction to the creative process Developing a personal artistic voice.
Summer
- Responding to themes and genres Units with diverse artist references that build skills, critical thinking and personal connections.
- First sustained project: working from a theme An independent project where pupils develop their own creative process.
Year 11 Key Stage 4
Autumn
- Second sustained project: working from a theme, changing perspectives Collaborative working methods, even when assessed individually.
Spring
- Foundation workshops: developing skills Deepening skills within each area of study.
Summer
- Curating an exhibition The course ends with a physical or virtual exhibition.
Contains material from Oak National Academy, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.