Art, Design and Technology (ADT)

Art & Design

Art & Design at CFGS plays a vital role in developing curiosity, creativity and self-expression to grow alongside confidence and critical thinking. The curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge students to achieve well, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, create their own work and to confidently express ideas. Students engage in creating work in response to a diverse range of artists, designers and crafts people from different times and cultures. The curriculum contributes significantly to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  

Taught themes aim to create successful learners who understand how art impacts and enhances society and surroundings. By learning about great artists, craft makers and designers’ students gain understanding of historical and cultural contexts. Schemes of learning enable progression of practical skill include observational drawing and painting using a range of materials as well as printmaking, ceramics and sculpture with increasing mastery across the key stages.    

Art & Design supports development of transferable skills, such as problem solving, communication and critical thinking skills, which prepares students for further study and world of work, regardless of the subjects or career being pursued. Studying GCSE Art, Craft and Design, GCSE Art Textiles and A Level Art & Design enables progression to careers in the Creative Industries such as fashion, photography, graphic design, architecture, advertising, illustration, interior design, marketing, publishing and the media. 

The A&D Department collaborates with Tower Hamlets Artist Teacher Network and participates in regular exhibitions to celebrate student work.     

Students have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums and participate in workshops to extend their learning; this has included international trips to Barcelona and Nice during which students visited world renowned galleries.    

A&D students learn about careers within the creative industries during visits to London Metropolitan University / Brinkwork and through talks led by lecturers from University of Arts London.   

Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities 

The A&D Department collaborates with Tower Hamlets Artist Teacher Network and participates in regular exhibitions to celebrate student work.    

Students have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums and participate in workshops to extend their learning; this has included international trips to Barcelona and Nice during which students visited world renowned galleries.   

A&D students learn about careers within the creative industries during visits to London Metropolitan University / Brinkwork and through talks led by lecturers from University of Arts London.  

Subject Overview and Curriculum Map

Subject Overview

• Key Stage 3 Overview and Assessments: Art & Design
• Key Stage 4 Overview and Assessments: Art, Design and Textiles

Curriculum Map

• Art & Design Curriculum Map

Design & Technology

Design & Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and creative practical subject. At CFGS D&T students to be 21st Century learners and be prepared for the world of work and careers such as architecture, fashion or product design. Students gain knowledge of the influences on the design industry including historical, social, economic, cultural and environmental factors. Secure links are made to the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. Students study the work of a range of industry professionals and create practical responses to their work. Students use their creativity and problem solving skills to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. The curriculum incorporates the specialist areas of Product Design, Textiles, Graphics, and Food & Nutrition.    

The importance of good product design is widely recognised and there is a growing need for multi-skilled designers. Students can study GCSE Design Technology focusing on Product Design or opt for GCSE Textiles which has the same structure as GCSE Art & Design. By studying Design Technology students can progress to A Level Product Design and into careers within the creative industries such as Designer, Architect, Engineer, Car Designer, Interior Designer or within Media to name a few.   

Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities 

• Students have the opportunity to participate in STEAM challenge days in collaboration with Science and Maths.   
• Visits to museums including the Design Museum extends learning.   
• At KS3 students are involved in the V&A Innovate Programme. 

Subject Overview and Curriculum Map 

Subject Overview

• Key Stage 3 Overview and Assessments: Design Technology
• Key Stage 4 Overview and Assessments: Design Technology
  

Curriculum Map

• Design Technology (Textiles) Curriculum Map
• Design Technology (Product Design) Curriculum Map

  Department

 To contact the ADT Department please email: ADT@central.towerhamlets.sch.uk.