Subject Intent: At Carisbrooke College, our Art & Design curriculum fosters self-expression, mutual respect, and cultural appreciation, enabling students to build visual communication skills and explore diverse artistic perspectives. At Key Stage 3, students build strong foundations in drawing, painting, mixed media, analysis, and creative thinking. At Key Stage 4, they follow the AQA GCSE Fine Art specification, deepening knowledge and refining practical skills through sustained portfolio work.

Assessment Framework: AQA GCSE Fine Art combines internally developed portfolio work with an externally set assignment. Students are assessed on their ability to develop ideas, refine and experiment with techniques and materials, record observations and insights, and present personal and meaningful responses through creative outcomes.

The Five Curriculum Towers in Practice:

• Disciplinary Literacy & Vocab: Students explicitly develop the specialist language of Art and Design through discussion, annotation, and written analysis to communicate artistic ideas accurately.
• Memory & Retrieval: Core concepts like observational drawing, colour theory, and artist research are regularly revisited through retrieval activities and sketchbook practice to secure long-term learning.
• Inclusion: Features adaptive teaching, modelling, and scaffolding alongside diverse artists and perspectives to foster a sense of belonging and success for all learners.
• Enrichment & PD: Encourages resilience and self-expression through exhibitions, competitions, community projects, and external cultural experiences.
• Careers & Readiness: Explores pathways within the creative industries (fine art, graphic design, architecture, digital media) while building critical transferable project management skills.