Our approach to teaching Art and Design fosters and promotes our SCARF ethos, empowering every student to achieve in a safe, caring, and inclusive environment. Art can play a vital role in a SEND provision; we offer students a way of exploring their emotions, expressing themselves, while also providing a sensory experience. 

At Sheridan School, we deliver a curriculum that: 

• Develops knowledge, skills, and creativity through personalised learning, based on each students’ individual needs. 

• Explores an array of styles, movements, mediums, and time periods. Allowing students to find an art form they are passionate about.  

• Prepares students for further study in the subject, whether that be an entry level qualification, GCSE, or study beyond Sheridan School. 

• Regular marking of books, providing students with clear and constructive feedback. 

• Recalling of information taught in previous lessons, as well as a quiz and feedback at the end of each topic. 

• Progress trackers in all books, giving teachers and students an insight into topic knowledge, weaknesses and strengths. 

• Lessons are taught by teachers with excellent subject knowledge and have clear and adaptive learning objectives and success criteria. 

• Readily adapting materials for sensory difficulties. 

• Students in KS4 have the option to be enrolled in an entry level qualification or GCSE 

• Students can achieve AQA awards within the subject. 

• Utilising LSA’s to deliver effective lessons. 

• Frequently reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it is current and effective. 

• Weekly department meetings to discuss, pupils work and progress, effectiveness of lesson plans and adaption strategies. 

Through the personalised and inclusive nature of our curriculum: 

• Students will demonstrate measurable progress in their artistic knowledge, skills, and creativity, regardless of their starting point. 

• Pupils will develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments, fostering increased self-esteem and a positive attitude toward learning. 

• The curriculum will inspire students to think critically and problem-solve, skills that are transferable across other areas of their education and life. 

• SEND students will experience a platform for self-expression that supports their emotional well-being and provides a meaningful outlet for their ideas and emotions. 

Furthermore, we aim to create a foundation that enables students to pursue art as a lifelong passion or a future academic and professional path. Whether achieving an AQA award, GCSE qualification, or continuing their studies beyond Sheridan School, students leave with the confidence and ambition to take their creative skills further.

Art and Design encourages students to express themselves creatively while developing practical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, printing and more.

At Sheridan, Art and Design involves experimenting with different materials and techniques, learning of artists, culture and history, developing ideas, and refining skills. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, and create original work that reflects their own thoughts and identity. Projects often follow a process of experimenting, making and reflecting - helping students build confidence, independence, and pride in their achievements.

Here's how cross curricular links can be made with Art and Design:

English:

• Descriptive language: Talking and writing about their own and others' artwork, using creative and emotional vocabulary.

• Sequencing and storytelling: Planning artwork with beginning, middle and end (e.g., Comic strips or narrative pieces).

• Reflective writing: Writing artist research, statements, evaluations, or explanation of creative choices.

Mathematics:

• Measurement and scale: Measuring accurately when drawing, building, or scaling up images

• Geometry: Using shape, symmetry, pattern, and proportion in design and layout.

• Ratios and fractions: mixing colours or adjusting scale and size in proportion.

Science:

• Materials and properties: Understanding the different qualities and behaviours of materials (e.g., clay, paint, paper).

• Light and colour: Exploring colour theory, reflection, shadows, and how we see.

• Nature Studies: Drawing and observing plants, animals and natural forms as part of biology.

PSHE/SEMH:

• Emotional Expression: Using art as a safe outlet to express feelings, process experiences, and tell personal stories.

• Confidence Building: Completing and sharing artwork can increase self-esteem and resilience.

• Mindfulness: Art activities support focus, calmness and emotional regulation.

Design and Technology:

• Planning and making: Following design processes and turning ideas into 3D outcomes.

• Product Design: Considering function, form and visual appeal in both art and design projects.

• Tools and Techniques: Shared use of tools and materials (e.g., printing, construction)

History:

• Visual Timelines: Creating historical artwork or reimagining events through illustration.

• Artefact study: Drawing historical or recreating historical objects and symbols.

• Themes and contexts: Exploring ideas from different time periods in visual form.

Geography:

• Landscape art: creating drawings and paintings inspired by natural and urban environments.

• Maps and Symbols: Designing maps, using symbols, and understanding scale and layout visually.

• Cultural connections: Exploring visual styles and patterns inspired by different places and cultures.

• Environment awareness: Using art to raise awareness of climate issues, nature conservation, and global themes.

ICT:

• Digital Art: Using apps and software for drawing and photo editing.

• Presenting work: creating digital portfolios or slideshows to showcase artwork.

• Art-Based Research: Using the internet to explore visual ideas, collect inspiration, and research techniques, tools or themes to support their own creative work.

Real-Life Application:

• Careers: Links to jobs in illustration, design, animation, architecture, fashion, marketing and more.

• Mindfulness and Mental Health: Art can be used at home and school as a calming tool/self-regulation.

• Communication and Social Skills: Students learn how to identify and express thoughts, feelings and ideas visually.