Art, Design & Technology Subjects on Rotation

Our Overarching Vision

At Key Stage 3, Art, Design and Technology empowers students to become creative, confident, innovative, and reflective learners, who can respond to the challenges of the modern world through imagination, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving. Through exploration, experimentation and making, students develop the knowledge, skills and resilience needed to communicate ideas, express individuality and design solutions that have purpose and impact. 

Our curriculum inspires students to: 

  • Develop creativity, curiosity and a lifelong appreciation of art, design and technology.

  • Explore the work of artists, designers, craftspeople, engineers, and innovators from diverse cultures and contexts.

  • Build technical knowledge and practical skills through a wide range of materials, processes, and technologies.

  • Think critically, solve problems, and take creative risks through an iterative design process.

  • Understand the relationship between design, function, sustainability, and the wider world.

  • Communicate ideas visually, verbally, and through practical outcomes.

  • Develop independence, resilience, and confidence through reflection, evaluation, and refinement.

  • Prepare for future study, employment, and participation in an increasingly creative and technological society. 

Through engaging and challenging learning experiences, students are encouraged to become thoughtful creators and responsible citizens who understand how art, design and technology shape the world around them. By fostering innovation, craftsmanship and cultural awareness, we aim to equip every learner with the skills and confidence to transform ideas into meaningful outcomes. 

J England 
Head of Faculty 

 

KS3 Art, Design & Technology Subjects on Rotation


YEAR 7, 8 AND 9 LESSONS ARE DOUBLE LESSONS, WHICH ROTATE EVERY 10 WEEKS ACROSS 4 DIFFERENT SUBJECT AREAS. 

YEAR 7  

Art: NATURAL FORMS 

Pupils will develop drawing, painting, printing, and ceramic techniques with a focus on the knowledge and application of the Art elements. They will also learn about a range of artists and their techniques, inspired by the natural world. 

Food Tech:  

Pupils will cook a range of dishes: fruit salad, pizza bread, pasta salad, flapjacks, scones, tarts, fruity cakes, pastry, cakes. They will learn methods of melting, creaming and rubbing in, as well as about Health & Safety, knife cutting skills, hygiene, nutrition and healthy eating. 

Product Design: Wooden puzzle 

Pupils will develop 3D isometric drawing, the use of hand tools, essential machinery and basic carpentry. They will learn about hard and soft woods, manufactured boards, as well as the properties and origins of wood (wood theory). Finally, they will develop their skills of product analysis and self-evaluation 

Textiles: Monster Dolls  

Pupils will learn applique, printing, hand sewing, and designing skills, to design and create a doll. They will also safely use sewing machines, learning H&S rules; as well as how to analyse, theirs's and other’s work. 


YEAR 8

Art: Pop Art 

 Pupils will refine observational drawing skills and application of art elements using a wide range of Pop Art techniques in 2D & 3D media. They will look at a range of inspirational Pop Artists to inspire their own masterpiece. 

Food Tech: Food for Brainiacs  

Pupils will cook a range of dishes: couscous, pizza, muffins, tomato soup, rock cakes, cheese and onion triangle as well as layered pasta salad. They will also learn the 4 C’s of good food hygiene, and use the Eatwell Guide for meal planning, modifying a recipe and for wise food shopping. 

Product Design: Mobile phone holder  

Pupils will use CAD/CAM, make a thread (bolt), do line bending, 3D sketching and annotating, as well as basic modelling. They will develop a knowledge of plastics and metals classification, as well as specifications. 

Textiles: T-Shirt Designs 

Pupils will recall techniques of using a sewing machine as well as tie dye, embellishment, applique, batik and design skills. They will study children as consumers and learn ways to colour fabric using fabric pattern methods. 


YEAR 9

Art: Food & Packaging 

Pupils will refine their knowledge and use of the Art and Design elements through Fine Art techniques. They will also strengthen their observational drawing techniques through the study of Still Life and inspirational artists. They will explore a wide range of medica painting, photography, printing, relief and 3D techniques. 

Food Tech: Street Food 

Pupils will cook a range of dishes: deli salad, fruit fusion, ratatouille, cheesecake, ragu, crumble and fresh pasta. They will learn methods of shallow frying, boiling, simmering, food handling, as well as the use of an oven and grill. 

Product Design: Lamps 

 Pupils will develop skills of 3D sketching, marking out, drilling, pilot & clearance holes and countersinking. They will also learn the 6 Rs, about upcycling and consider environmental issues. Looking at key designers, students will study at GCSE, they will be inspired to create their own Lamps using recycled materials. 

Textiles: Tote Bags 

Pupils will recall skills and techniques applied in y7 and 8 such as applique, batik, embellishment, printing, sewing, and designing skills, to design and Tote bag inspired by Contemporary Designers. They will also use fabric pattern methods, safely use sewing machines, learning H&S rules; as well as how to analyse, theirs's and other’s work.