Creative Industries Faculty
Art
In years 7-9, pupils develop their creativity by exploring a wide range of techniques such as drawing, painting, clay work and design. They learn about contemporary and historical artists, developing skills in observation, planning, expressing ideas and evaluation. Projects connect with cultural and social themes, fostering self-expression and confidence.
The GCSE Art and Design course encourages pupils to develop their ideas personally through a creative process of research, experimentation, reflection and presentation. They work on a portfolio and specific external task, using traditional and digital media. The course develops critical, technical and contextual skills, preparing pupils for further study or creative careers.
In the A Level course, pupils follow a personal pathway through creative investigation and complete externally set tasks. They develop detailed understanding of artistic contexts, experiment with materials and present meaningful and sophisticated responses. The course fosters critical thinking, advanced technical skills and the ability to communicate ideas effectively, preparing for higher education or the world of work.
Music
In the Music Department, pupils develop their musical skills through performing, composing, and listening to a wide range of music. From Year 7 to Year 9, the focus is on building confidence, creativity, and understanding of musical elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure. Pupils learn how to express musical ideas, develop their technical skills on instruments, and explore different methods of composition. Through critical listening to music from various cultures and periods, they gain a broad appreciation of the musical world and learn how to reflect on their own work and that of others.
At GCSE level, pupils perform, compose, and evaluate music. They create original compositions, perform on instruments or voice, and study set works by a variety of composers. The course develops technical, creative, and reflective skills, including the use of music technology and an understanding of social and cultural contexts.
A level pupils specialise further in either performance or composition, studying genres such as Jazz and Musical Theatre. They develop a detailed understanding of musical forms, analysis of set works, and critical skills. The course prepares pupilsfor further study or a career in music.
Drama
In years 7, 8 and 9, pupils develop confidence, creativity and communication skills by exploring a variety of performance techniques. Through individual, pair and group work, they learn how to create characters, use physical language and explore relevant themes. The curriculum nurtures listening skills, collaboration and self-expression, laying a solid foundation for further study. Pupils also have the opportunity to reflect on their work and develop evaluation skills, fostering an understanding of the creative process of theatre.
The GCSE Drama course develops performance, design and analysis skills through practical and theoretical work. Pupils create and perform original work, explore theatrical texts and analyse professional performances. Throughout the course, they nurture communication skills, critical thinking, time management and working effectively in groups. The assessment process encourages reflection and self-assessment, giving pupils the opportunity to demonstrate creativity and understanding of theatre as an artistic and social form.
Through studying the A Level course, pupils develop detailed understanding of performance techniques, theatre practitioners and textual analysis. They create original work, perform contemporary and classical pieces, and write critically about creative processes. The course nurtures advanced skills in leadership, reflection, research and presentation, preparing pupils for higher education or creative careers. The work encourages exploration of social and cultural ideas through the medium of theatre, fostering awareness of the world around them.
Design and Technology
In the Design and Technology department for years 7-9, pupils explore a wide range of materials, tools and techniques, including woodwork, metal, plastics and textiles. They learn skills in design, creation, communicating ideas and evaluating products, fostering confidence in creative and innovative thinking.
During the GCSE course, pupils develop detailed knowledge of design and creation principles, including new technologies, smart materials, and sustainability. They complete a detailed design and create task, demonstrating their ability to create practical prototypes and evaluate their effectiveness.
The A Level course builds on GCSE skills, giving pupils the opportunity to specialise in one of three main areas: product design, engineering design, or fashion and textiles. They develop detailed understanding of industrial processes, project management, and designing for real users, preparing for further education or careers in the creative and engineering industries.