Introduction to Department:

At Bishop Wordsworth’s School, the Art and Design Department inspires creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. From Year 7, pupils explore techniques across printmaking, digital art, ceramics, photography, and 3D design through ambitious projects. At GCSE, Fine Art and Graphic Communication build skills in drawing, painting, design, branding, and digital media, supported by specialist facilities and the Adobe suite. A Level courses in Art, Graphic Communication and Photography develop independent investigation, experimentation, and original work. Learning is enriched through gallery visits, workshops, and exhibitions, preparing pupils with confidence, cultural understanding, and the skills to progress to higher education or careers in the creative industries. 

At BWS, pupils are given a broad Art and Design education, including Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Photography, and Art, Craft and Design. Skills and creativity are developed to allow progression to GCSE and A Level courses. 
Pupils are encouraged to think critically, explore ideas independently, and reflect on a wide range of themes. Learning is enriched through visits to galleries, the coast, and London, inspiring work in a wider artistic context.  

Assessment is formative and summative and those identified as requiring additional support are invited to lunchtime and after-school sessions. Pupils benefit from specialist staff, technical support, a print studio, kiln, and the full Adobe suite. 

Results & Achievements:  

Pupils consistently achieve strong results at GCSE and A Level and frequently progress to study at leading art and design universities. A brief gallery of artwork is shown below:

 
 

Extra and Super-curricular:  

Learning is enriched through gallery visits both locally and in London, workshops, exhibitions, and competitions, fostering cultural understanding, inspiration, and professional presentation skills. Recent visits have included The Tate, The Design Museum, The London Illustration Fair, Cartlidge Levine Studio, The Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery, and the V&A Museum. Pupils take part in school and national competitions, including the Rotary Young Artist Competition and the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ competition, and exhibit work in the local community and at galleries such as Gallery 21. Pupils can also extend their practice beyond lessons, display work within school, and support younger students. 

Learning by Key Stage  

In KS3, pupils work in the art studio, computer suite, and occasionally off-site, developing technical skills, creativity, and critical thinking. Preparing them for the confidence, cultural understanding, and the skills to progress to GCSE or A Level if they wish. 
 

KS3  

In year 7 topics include ‘Landscape art’ inspired by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, ‘Aquatic life’ inspired by Jason Scarpace and ‘Portraits’ delivered through the bold, simplified style of Julian Opie. Students use coloured pencil, oil pastels, acrylic, and watercolour, developing skills throughout.  

In year 8 students topics include; ‘Architecture & perspective’ exploring one- and two-point perspective; ‘Day of the Dead’ – patterns and tonal research alongside the cultural and historical significance of Día de los Muertos and ‘Footwear Design Project’ wherein students respond to a trainer design brief, combining observational drawing, digital media, branding, and marketing research, all inspired by contemporary artists such as Michael Craig-Martin,  

In Year 9 students study Graphic Design for the entire year (Please see Graphic Design page on the website for more information). Linked here. 

 

KS4 

AQA: Fine Art GCSE 
Fine Art GCSE at BWS develops creativity, practical skills, and critical thinking. Pupils respond independently to themes and ideas, exploring drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, photography, and digital media. Investigations are recorded in sketchbooks, supported by artist research, gallery visits, and a coastal trip to inspire and inform work. 
 
The course is assessed through two components: Component 1 – Portfolio (60%), including projects on Coast and Urban Jungle, and Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment (40%), culminating in a two-day practical exam. Pupils develop, refine, and present their ideas using effective techniques and a wide range of media, including the Adobe Creative Suite. Work is assessed using AQA objectives: AO1 – Develop ideas, AO2 – Refine work, AO3 – Record ideas, AO4 – Present a personal response. Fine Art GCSE provides a strong foundation for A Level and further study in the creative industries. 
More information: AQA Art and Design 

 

KS5  

AQA: Art Craft and Design A Level 
 
The A Level Art Craft and Design course at BWS develops creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking. Pupils respond independently to themes, recording research, experiments, and reflections in sketchbooks. Initial projects, such as Structures, introduce drawing, digital media, Photoshop, Illustrator, photography, and editing techniques, before pupils pursue their own personal investigations. 
 
Assessment comprises a Personal Investigation (60%), supported by a written investigation (1000–3000 words), and a Component 2 Externally Set Assignment (40%), completed in February of Year 13. Work is assessed against the four AQA objectives: developing ideas, refining work, recording observations, and presenting personal and meaningful responses. 

Staff

Head of Department: Samantha Lawrence sjl@bws-school.org.uk 

Teachers of Art, Graphic Communication and Photography:

• Imogen Smith-Edmunds ise@bws-school.org.uk 
• Francesca Evans fee@bws-school.org.uk  

Art Technicians:

• Charlie Johnson cij@bws-school.org.uk 
• Claudia Greatorex cfg@bws-school.org.uk