Our Curriculum

At Philip Southcote School, our Art and Design curriculum is designed to inspire, challenge, and support students as they grow into confident, expressive young artists. Art is a powerful medium through which students explore identity, culture, and the world around them. It also serves as a therapeutic outlet, supporting emotional wellbeing, developing fine motor skills, and fostering self-expression.

Our curriculum is rooted in purposeful learning and preparation for adulthood, enabling students to make informed choices, reflect on their work, and develop a personal artistic voice. From Key Stage 3 onwards, students engage in a rich and inclusive curriculum that builds skills progressively through drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital techniques.

In Key Stage 3, students explore themes such as identity, emotion, nature, and cultural diversity. They investigate the work of artists like Picasso and Paul Klee, using these influences to inform their own designs. Projects are carefully scaffolded to support all learners, with adaptations and visuals to ensure accessibility. Students learn to interpret, evaluate, and refine their work using success criteria, while developing control and confidence with materials.

In Key Stage 4, students can opt to study GCSE Art and Design. They build on prior learning to produce ambitious, personalised portfolios. Students explore global artistic traditions, ethical and environmental considerations, and develop their own themes through sustained projects. They are encouraged to take creative risks, analyse their work, and reflect critically on their artistic choices.

The Art Room is a safe, sensory-rich space where students thrive, whether sculpting with mod-roc, painting on canvas, or experimenting with graffiti techniques, students are supported to express themselves freely and proudly. The curriculum promotes inclusion, creativity, and enjoyment, ensuring every student can succeed and feel valued.

Students develop their artistic skills through a structured progression model. They begin by making guided choices and experimenting with materials, gradually building confidence in selecting techniques and expressing opinions about their work. As they progress, students learn to interpret the work of other artists, apply techniques with increasing control, and critically reflect on their own creative decisions. By Key Stage 4, students can independently generate ideas, evaluate their outcomes against success criteria, and produce imaginative, personalised responses informed by research and artistic investigation.

Art and Design at Philip Southcote School helps students see the world differently, form opinions, and understand the role of art in society and history. Above all, it is a joyful, expressive subject that nurtures imagination and builds confidence for life.

Throughout their journey, students develop key artistic skills including:

• Drawing and painting techniques
• Colour theory and composition
• Mixed media experimentation
• Sculpture and 3D form
• Critical reflection and evaluation
• Research and interpretation of artists’ work
• Personalised design and creative decision-making