Our Lady's Catholic High School
Intent
Creativity allows us to see the world differently. Through Art, pupils learn to observe more carefully, think more deeply and express ideas with confidence, imagination, and purpose. At Our Lady’s, we believe that every child is made in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses a unique creative voice, worthy of being discovered, nurtured, and celebrated. Art encourages pupils to develop that voice while growing in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
“Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it.” – Ai Weiwei.
Art is about far more than producing beautiful outcomes. It encourages pupils to experiment, solve problems, take creative risks, and learn from the process as much as the finished piece. Through drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital media and mixed media, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and resilience needed to communicate their ideas with increasing confidence and originality.
As pupils progress through the curriculum, they build secure foundations in the formal elements of art before applying their understanding in increasingly ambitious and personal ways. Knowledge and techniques are revisited and refined over time, enabling pupils to make thoughtful creative decisions, develop their own artistic identity, and produce work of increasing quality and sophistication.
At the heart of our curriculum is the belief that art helps us understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. By studying artists, designers and makers from diverse cultures, traditions and historical periods, pupils develop visual literacy, cultural awareness, and an appreciation of the rich diversity of human creativity. They learn to discuss and evaluate artwork thoughtfully, recognising that different perspectives enrich our understanding of both art and society.
Creativity flourishes in an environment where experimentation is celebrated and individuality is valued. Expert guidance, meaningful encouragement, and carefully tailored support give every young person the confidence to develop their artistic voice while recognising that perseverance and reflection are central to the creative process.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through engagement with practising artists, gallery visits and creative workshops that bring the subject to life. These experiences broaden horizons, inspire ambition, and help pupils appreciate the many ways creativity shapes the communities in which we live. They also provide valuable insight into the wide range of opportunities available within the creative industries and beyond.
The confidence to think creatively, communicate visually and solve problems imaginatively prepares pupils for an ever-changing future. Whether pursuing careers in fine art, architecture, fashion, design, digital media, animation, photography, or professions where innovation and creativity are highly valued, pupils leave with skills that will continue to serve them throughout their lives.
The impact of Art can be seen in pupils who become increasingly confident in experimenting, evaluating, and refining their ideas. Sketchbooks become a record of curiosity, resilience, and personal growth, showing how creative thinking develops through reflection, practice, and imagination.
Being One of Ours means recognising that creativity is one of God’s gifts and using it to enrich the lives of others. Art encourages every pupil to appreciate beauty, celebrate diversity, and express themselves with confidence, humility, and integrity. We want every young person to leave Our Lady’s with the imagination to see new possibilities, the courage to share their ideas and the confidence to make a positive contribution to the world through creativity.
