“Before a child talks they sing. As soon as they stand they dance. Before they write they draw. Art is fundamental to human expression.” – Phylicia Rashad

Art at The Priory Witham sparks imagination, inspires creativity and encourages a lifelong passion of the Arts, showing students how every great design began with an idea, developed through creativity, exploration and practice.

Our curriculum develops our students’ cultural and creative development through a wide range of practical skills, processes and techniques. Students explore diverse artists, movements and styles while building reflective, analytical and transferable reflective and analytical thinking skills that support both academic success and personal growth.

Curriculum Intent:

• To spark imagination, inspire creativity, and encourage students to be passionate about Art through a range of techniques, experiences and material practice.
• To build on their practical skills and build confidence, enrich their experiences, acquire knowledge, develop skills and strive for excellence.
• Provide opportunities for students to express their opinions about their learning, their work and the work of others.
• Enable students to learn about the impact Artwork has on the world and the meaning behind it which prepares them effectively for the challenges and responsibilities of the next step in their journey.

Our curriculum enables students to explore the impact and significance of Art within society, understanding the meanings, messages and cultural contexts behind artworks. By engaging with images, artefacts and artistic traditions from different historical periods and cultures, students develop an awareness that extends beyond a solely Western perspective, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the diverse world around them.

Art connects to every aspect of society and opens pathways to a wide variety of future careers and creative opportunities.

Ultimately, our curriculum aims to inspire curiosity, foster self-expression and equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.

Curriculum Ambition

The essential characteristics of a Witham Artist / Photographer

• An impressive knowledge and understanding of other artists, craftmakers and designers.
• The ability to think and act like creative practitioners by using their knowledge and understanding to inform, inspire and interpret ideas, observations and feelings.
• Independence, initiative and originality which they can use to develop their creativity.
• The ability to select and use materials, processes and techniques skillfully and inventively to realise intentions and capitalise on the unexpected.
• The ability to reflect on, analyse and critically evaluate their own work and that of others.
• A passion for and a commitment to the subject.
• The ability to use visual language skillfully and convincingly (for example, line, shape, pattern, colour, texture, form) to express emotions, interpret observations, convey insights and accentuate their individuality.
• The ability to communicate fluently in visual and tactile form.
• The ability to draw confidently and adventurously from observation, memory and imagination.
• The ability to explore and invent marks, develop and construct ideas and communicate perceptively and powerfully through purposeful drawing in 2D, 3D or digital media