Art, Design and Technology

Our art, design and technology curriculum

The art, design and technology curriculum aims to prepare students with the skills and knowledge for the world outside the classroom, enabling them to experience life to the full, both in the world of work and leisure for their future.

Art, design and technology is all around us in our modern world. Learning about art, design and technology helps our students understand the world in which they are living, and actively engage in it. It helps them know where we have been and develop where we are going.

The art, design and technology curriculum at the academy consists of a range of creative, imaginative and innovative experiences of designing and practical based activities. Using a range of materials from four main areas Art, 3D Design, Textiles and Food in conjunction with drawing on additional knowledge from other STEM subjects and links to other curriculum areas. 

The curriculum is designed to give all students the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge to engage positively with materials, components, products, and technologies in the world around them. Through these types of activities students are actively contributing to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of themselves and their community.

The curriculum aims to develop creative innovative thinkers, fostering intellectual inquisitiveness about how and why things work the way they do and understand the history of design and technology developments, to appreciate and respect the past, immerse themselves in the present and design for the future.

All students have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of different artists, designers and chefs, past and present.  The curriculum allows students to study the work of others to help shape and inform their own designs, products and final outcomes.  Visiting speakers and trips to museums, galleries and outside spaces help develop and widen students own experiences, supporting cultural capital.