Shenley Brook End School

Intent

Create Boldly. Think Freely. Aim High.

At Shenley Brook End School, we believe that creativity is essential to understanding and interpreting the world around us. Our Art curriculum inspires students to explore, experiment and express themselves through a wide range of artistic processes, developing both technical skills and independent creative thinking. Our aim is to nurture confident, reflective and resilient learners who appreciate the value of art, design and culture in society.

In line with the values of the 5 Dimensions Trust, students are encouraged to be kind, work hard and be respectful while developing the confidence to take creative risks, solve problems and communicate ideas visually. Through practical experiences, critical analysis and personal reflection, students become thoughtful and ambitious artists equipped for further study, employment and life beyond school.

Further Information

Our Curriculum Priorities
This year our curriculum is focused on three key priorities:

Raising attainment and closing gaps through inclusive teaching and adaptive assessment, ensuring every student can achieve their full potential.
Embedding consistent behaviour routines through The Shenley Way, creating a purposeful environment where creativity can flourish.
Expanding enrichment opportunities through clubs, competitions, visits, workshops, visiting artists and wider cultural experiences that bring learning to life.

Curriculum Journey
Students begin their artistic journey in Key Stage 3 by exploring the formal elements of art, including line, tone, colour, shape, pattern, texture and composition. They develop observational drawing skills, experiment with a range of media and learn to analyse and respond to the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from diverse backgrounds. Projects include themes such as The Formal Elements, Monsters, Cultural Patterns, Architecture and Activism.

As students progress into Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, they refine their creative skills with increasing independence, producing personal and meaningful responses across a range of disciplines including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, textiles and photography. Specialist projects such as Growth and Decay, Identity, Fur, Feathers and Scales and Food Project allow students to develop technical expertise while exploring their own artistic interests.

Assessment

Throughout Key Stage 3, students are assessed against Age Related Expectations (AREs), which focus on the development of observational drawing, technical processes, presentation skills, creative thinking and subject-specific vocabulary. Students are supported to progress from developing skills towards confident and independent artistic practice.

Qualifications

Key Stage 4: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Fine Art and 3D Art
View the Edexcel GCSE Art and Design Specification
Key Stage 5: OCR A Level Art and Design
View the OCR A Level Art and Design Specification

Beyond the Classroom

Art at Shenley Brook End extends beyond lessons. Students benefit from exhibitions, competitions, visiting artists, educational visits and enrichment opportunities that broaden cultural understanding and encourage creative ambition. These experiences help students develop transferable skills such as resilience, collaboration, problem-solving and reflective thinking.

For further information about the Art curriculum, please contact Ms L Evans-Minto, Team Leader for Art. LEvansMinto@sbe5d.com