Vision
Art and Design holds a unique place at Ormiston Bridge Academy, offering learners a therapeutic and creative outlet while building core artistic skills. In our setting, art is a powerful tool for expression, communication, and emotional wellbeing.
Our curriculum empowers students to discover their identity, build resilience, and explore new perspectives. We celebrate a diverse range of artists and cultures, ensuring every learner feels represented while broadening their understanding of the wider world.
Clear progression—from foundational skills to independent, personalised outcomes—supports deepening technical ability, critical thinking, and creative ownership. Alongside this, students develop vital life skills including problem-solving, creative risk-taking, and emotional intelligence.
Reflection and subject-specific vocabulary are embedded throughout. Learners regularly evaluate their work and that of others, building confidence and deepening understanding through structured feedback and discussion.
Progress is tracked through sketchbooks, visual outcomes, and reflection. Success is recognised and celebrated to promote motivation and pride.
Key Stage 3
KS3 focuses on creativity, confidence, and key visual skills. Learners explore the formal elements of Art—line, tone, colour, shape, texture, and form—through a range of media and themes.
Projects are sequenced to build technical skill, imagination, and independence. Students study a wide range of artists and cultures and are encouraged to take risks and think critically about their work.
Reflective strategies, vocabulary development, and success criteria are embedded to help learners understand and articulate their progress.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Art and Design builds on KS3, offering a more structured and independent creative journey. Students develop a personal portfolio through in-depth projects, refining their techniques and deepening their contextual understanding.
Learners explore their own artistic voice while working toward nationally recognised qualifications. The curriculum continues to support wellbeing, self-expression, and ambition.
Assessment is continuous and supportive, with regular feedback and reflection guiding learners to success.