Art at CHS South centres on igniting creativity, uncovering individual potential, and developing transferable life skills through artistic practice. The curriculum is designed to nurture creative, happy and successful learners who are confident in expressing ideas and interpreting the visual world.

Students are encouraged to:

• Develop their imagination, curiosity and resilience through exploration and experimentation.
• Discover their individual voice and identity through diverse art, craft and design experiences.
• Gain a deep understanding of cultural heritage and contemporary practice, enabling them to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
• Become reflective, independent learners who take ownership of their creative outcomes.
• Build skills for future pathways, including further education and careers in the creative industries.

The vision emphasises inclusivity, ensuring all students feel empowered to express their backgrounds, perspectives and cultural identities, while engaging with both historical and contemporary artists to remain relevant and inspiring

The Key Stage 3 Art curriculum is designed to build strong foundational knowledge and skills while fostering creative confidence. It emphasises exploration without fear of failure, enabling students to experiment, take risks, and develop resilience.

Core Principles

• A structured progression from fundamentals (formal elements and drawing skills) in Year 7, to increasingly complex conceptual and technical work in Years 8 and 9
• A curriculum that helps students “decode the visual world”, equipping them with critical and analytical skills to understand imagery, symbolism, and meaning
• Integration of contextual studies, linking art to social, cultural, environmental, and political themes

Curriculum Journey

Year 7: Focus on formal elements, basic drawing, and cultural introduction through accessible, engaging projects (e.g. Tim Burton, favelas, Japanese art). Emphasis on skill-building and confidence.

Year 8: Development of independent thinking and thematic exploration, with projects linking art to global issues (e.g. climate change, street art, environmental awareness).

Year 9: Increasing emphasis on specialisation, critical understanding, and pathways, introducing design disciplines (e.g. graphic design, textiles, Cubism) and preparing for GCSE thinking.

The Key Stage 4 curriculum is designed to prepare students for GCSE success while nurturing independent, sophisticated artistic practice. It builds directly on KS3 foundations, moving students towards personalised, concept-driven outcomes.

Core Principles

• A focus on the AQA Assessment Objectives (AO1–AO4), embedding investigation, experimentation, recording, and final outcomes into all work.
• Development of independent learning, where students take increasing ownership of ideas, research, and outcomes.
• Emphasis on sustained practice, refinement, and critical evaluation.

Curriculum Journey

Year 10: Component 1 - Structured exploration through themed coursework (e.g. “Messages”), introducing students to contemporary artists, mixed media, and conceptual thinking. Students experiment widely and begin forming personal responses.

Year 11: Component 1 -  September until December -  greater independence, focusing on refinement and coursework completion. 

Year 11: Component 2 - January until May  - culminating in the Externally Set Assignment (ESA), exam preparation and final 10-hour practical exam.

Students can extend their artistic journey through:

• After-school sessions and workshops
• Art clubs and creative projects
• School exhibitions and showcases
• Trips to galleries, museums, and cultural venues
• Links with live briefs for real companies 

• Provide basic art materials at home for experimentation.
• Encourage visits to galleries, exhibitions, or online collections.
• Discuss your child’s artwork and praise effort as well as outcome.
• Support research into different artists and styles.
• Encourage creative expression through drawing, painting, or digital media.

Post-GCSE Pathways

A Level Art & Design

• Continue developing your skills and personal style through more advanced study in areas like Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, or Textiles. This prepares you for creative careers or university-level study.

Specialist Creative Pathways

• Consider vocational or BTEC courses focused on specific creative fields such as Animation, Fashion Design, Illustration, or Digital Media, offering practical skills alongside artistic development.

University and Higher Education

Pursue degree courses in creative disciplines, including:

• Fine Art: Deepen your understanding of traditional and contemporary art-making techniques.
• Design: Explore Graphic, Product, Interior, or Fashion Design with practical and theoretical knowledge.
• Architecture: Combine creativity with technical skills to design buildings and environments.
• Illustration: Develop skills for publishing, advertising, and media industries.
• Fashion: Study clothing design, textiles, and fashion business.
• Photography: Learn professional techniques, digital editing, and visual storytelling.

Studying Art at CHS South empowers students to explore, experiment, and express themselves - developing creativity that lasts a lifetime.