Art and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. At Castle Donignton College, we believe that 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. We aim for all pupils to know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation

The National Curriculum for Art and Design 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

At Castle Donignton College, the Art curriculum ensures that all pupils are taught to develop their creativity and ideas, and increase proficiency in their execution. They should develop a critical understanding of artists, architects and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform their own work. 

Pupils are taught to use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media. They are taught to explore their ideas, to use a range of techniques and media, including painting and to increase their proficiency in the handling of different materials. Pupils analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact or application of their pieces. In addition, pupils are taught about the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements and artists from ancient times up to the present day.

At KS3, pupils receive lessons of Art, delivered to mixed ability tutor groups. Pupils arrive in year 7 with a wide range of Art experiences, skills and knowledge. The key stage 3 curriculum is carefully designed to ensure pupils are given the best opportunity to develop their skills and creativity in this exciting subject.

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design curriculum at Castle Donington College is designed to provide all pupils with the knowledge and competencies needed to be creative, independent and with an ability to articulate their learning. 

The curriculum has been planned and sequenced to allow pupils to be challenged, know more and remember more by revisiting tasks they have experienced in Art in Year 7 to 9. Pupils develop the ability to navigate through each key stage and make progress in order to fully equip them for Post-16 education and their future employment choices.

The Graphics curriculum has been developed to fully utilise both traditional and digital graphic design competencies, developing pupils’ understanding of designers’ roles throughout history, culture and the wealth of the nation. Ultimately, the knowledge and competencies learnt throughout each key stage will equip pupils for future learning and employment.

At KS4 pupils concentrate on responding to a brief using both text and imagery. The graphics that are produced could be used to sell products, inform an audience or promote an event. Pupils produce pieces of extended writing and further develop their proficiency when using a variety of digital and traditional graphic design techniques. Pupils study a variety of historic and contemporary artists and designers to develop their own ideas, refine work, record ideas and produce personal and meaningful outcomes. Pupils complete their portfolio of work, before embarking upon their externally set assignment in their final Key Stage 4 year.