Art
Context
At Fairfield, Art and Design encourages pupils to develop their imagination, confidence and enthusiasm for creative work. Through traditional and digital media, pupils explore ideas, record experiences and learn to express themselves visually. We want them to appreciate the value of art, craft and design in their own lives and the wider world.
Our curriculum develops pupils as thoughtful artists, craftspeople and designers. They study images and artefacts from different times and cultures, consider the contexts in which they were created and learn to evaluate creative work. As their knowledge and practical skills grow, pupils become increasingly independent in developing and refining their own ideas.
An Inclusive Curriculum
Our Art and Design curriculum gives pupils opportunities to explore ideas through a range of materials, techniques and creative approaches. Studying work from different cultures and periods broadens their understanding of artistic expression. A supportive classroom environment, clear demonstrations and appropriately adapted resources help pupils with different starting points participate and develop confidence in their work.
Powerful Knowledge
Pupils build knowledge of the artistic process through research, observation, experimentation and evaluation. Early learning includes observational drawing, colour theory, computer-aided design and cultural art, followed by work exploring nature, expressionism and portraiture. Revisiting techniques across projects helps pupils connect practical skills with knowledge of artists and make increasingly informed choices in their own creative work.
Assessment
Assessment considers different stages of the creative process, including initial ideas, artist research and finished pieces. Clear success criteria help pupils understand what successful work involves. Teachers review a range of tasks within each project, compare judgements across classes and identify individual strengths and priorities, giving pupils opportunities to improve their work and plan their next steps.
Feedback
Pupils receive regular verbal guidance during practical work, alongside written feedback on selected tasks and projects. Teachers explain what is working well and identify specific ways to improve. Pupils use this advice to revisit techniques, develop ideas and refine outcomes, with more personalised project targets supporting their growing independence at Key Stage 4.
Expert Teaching
The Fairfield Expert Teaching Cycle supports learning through explanation, demonstration, practice, questioning and feedback. Teachers model practical techniques and show pupils how to approach artistic tasks. During independent work, they check understanding and may pause the class to demonstrate a technique again, address a common difficulty or help pupils make more purposeful creative decisions.
Literacy
Pupils learn the specialist language needed to discuss, analyse and evaluate art. Topic glossaries support vocabulary development, while challenging texts deepen understanding of artists, techniques and contexts. Teachers model fluent reading and support comprehension. Structured discussion gives pupils opportunities to explain their choices, consider different interpretations and develop ideas before recording them in writing.
Supporting Pupils with SEND
We support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities through teaching informed by their Individual Support Plans. Thoughtful seating, clear demonstrations and adapted materials help pupils access practical and written work. Teachers respond to individual needs while maintaining ambition, so that pupils can develop artistic knowledge, express their ideas and participate confidently in the creative process.
Home Learning
Home learning is set fortnightly at Key Stage 3 and weekly at Key Stage 4. Tasks include reading, practical skill development, revision and creative activities linked to classroom projects. These opportunities help pupils consolidate techniques, extend their understanding and develop independence, while revisiting familiar processes supports increasingly confident and thoughtful creative work.
Careers
Art and Design develops creativity, visual communication and the ability to research, refine and evaluate ideas. These skills provide foundations for further study and possible pathways in areas such as illustration, graphic design, photography and crafts. Understanding how artists and designers work also helps pupils appreciate the contribution of creative and cultural industries to everyday life.
