Art

Intent

The Art Department at MBA is a hub of creativity and inspiration, driven by the belief that every student has the potential to think, create, and express themselves like a professional artist. The Arts curriculum— encompassing Art and Design, Graphic Design, Photography, and Textiles—aims to inspire students with a passion for the Arts while preparing them with the skills, confidence, and cultural awareness needed to navigate the modern world and succeed in further education or careers.

Art lies at the heart of the curriculum in Years 7 and 8, guiding students through an interdisciplinary approach where traditional and digital techniques are explored alongside elements of Textiles, Photography, and Sculpture. This structure allows students to make meaningful connections across artistic disciplines, fostering broad creative thinking and deeper engagement.

As students progress into Year 9, the curriculum becomes more specialised. Students can opt for focused pathways in either 2D or 3D Art, enabling them to refine their skills and explore their artistic identities. By Key Stage 4, students delve into a rich two-year GCSE program in Art, Craft, and Design, where they engage with diverse contexts and media, creating ambitious personal outcomes that oRen include large-scale mixed media projects, sculptural installations, ceramics, and digital work.

Embedded throughout the curriculum is the exploration of cultural and historical contexts. Students study artists, designers, and craftspeople from varied backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and beliefs. These influences help students develop critical thinking skills, cultural capital, and an understanding of how art reflects and shapes the world around them.

Implementation

The Art curriculum is a collaborative effort, with regular reviews to ensure it remains dynamic, challenging, and relevant. Central to the curriculum is the philosophy that experimentation, risk-taking, and self- reflection  are vital to artistic growth. Students document their creative journeys in sketchbooks, capturing everything from ini6al ideas and sketches to experiments and refined pieces.

In Years 7 and 8, Art serves as the core focus, with themes integrated across disciplines like Photography, Textiles, and Sculpture. This approach ensures that students build a strong foundation of skills and concepts that can be applied across the Arts.

Students are encouraged to participate in art clubs, where older students lead by example, coaching and supporting younger year groups. These clubs foster a collaborative and inspiring environment, helping to build confidence and skill.

As students move into GCSE studies, they are encouraged to work with diverse materials and techniques, including traditional methods like oil painting and printmaking, alongside digital tools such as iPads and the Adobe Creative Suite. Digital skills development is intentionally designed to support emerging career paths in Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, and Games Design, ensuring students are prepared for the rapidly evolving demands of creative industries.

The department benefits from its collaboration with the Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI), which it works with annually. This partnership ensures the curriculum remains rooted in excellence and innovation, drawing on best practices and a shared commitment to high standards in arts education.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through partnerships with institutions  like Tate St. Ives, Penlee House, and Falmouth University. These collaborations provide students with opportunities to experience art in professional contexts, deepening their understanding and inspiring their practice.

Our Impact

The Art Department at MBA consistently delivers outstanding results, with outcomes that exceed national averages year after year. However, the true impact of the curriculum is evident in the enthusiasm and dedication of the students.

Student voice surveys and quality assurance processes reveal that students find the curriculum engaging, challenging, and rewarding. They appreciate the support of their teachers and feel equipped to progress in their creative journeys. This motivation is reflected in the high number of students who voluntarily spend time in the art rooms outside of lessons, driven by their passion for the subject.

Particularily in art clubs led by older students has further enriched the department’s culture, providing a platform for younger students to gain mentorship and guidance while allowing older students to develop leadership skills.

Many graduates go on to study Arts-related courses at A-level and beyond, with some pursuing apprenticeships and careers in creative industries. The integration of traditional and digital techniques ensures that students leave MBA with a versatile skill set, ready to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Cultural capital is also a key measure of success. By studying the work of artists and designers from diverse backgrounds and creating their own responses, students develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world and their ability to contribute to it.

The Art Department at MBA is a place where students are not only taught to achieve but are also inspired to dream, explore, and make their mark. The curriculum empowers them to think critically, act creatively, and engage meaningfully with the world around them, ensuring they leave with the confidence and skills to thrive in the future.

Year 7 Art Curriculum

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Year 8 Art Curriculum

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Year 9 Art Curriculum

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Year 10 Art Curriculum

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Year 11 Art Curriculum

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