The Art and Design department at Lawrence Sheriff School provides a creative and engaging environment where students can develop their artistic skills and personal expression. The accommodation includes two dedicated studio that support practical learning across a wide range of disciplines. These flexible spaces encourage both independent and collaborative work.

The department also benefits from a dedicated Sixth Form studio, providing older students with space for independent study and portfolio development. This specialist area supports more ambitious projects and helps prepare students for higher education and creative careers. The studio creates a focused and professional atmosphere for advanced artistic practice.

The department is well stocked with a wide range of materials, equipment, and resources. Students have opportunities to work in printmaking, animation, clay, textiles, fine art, and 3D art and photography allowing them to explore both traditional and contemporary creative techniques. This variety of media ensures a rich and inspiring learning experience for all students.  Dedicated IT facilities are available in the adjacent Technology department for all learners to access.

In Years 7 and 8, students receive Art and Design through a rotation system alongside other subjects, completing three art modules during the academic year. Each module lasts approximately six weeks and consists of four lessons per fortnight. Within these modules, students undertake a range of individual units of work, exploring different art materials, processes, and techniques to develop their creative skills and understanding of visual arts.

Year 7

The Year 7 scheme of learning, Identity, introduces students to the fundamental skills of observation and drawing through the study of facial proportions and anatomical features. Students develop their understanding of line, tone, shading, and composition while building confidence in accurately recording what they see. They then explore the work of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, investigating Cubism and learning how artists can represent identity through abstraction, fragmentation, and multiple viewpoints.

As the project progresses, students apply these ideas to cartoon and caricature work, experimenting with exaggeration, expression, and character design. This encourages creativity while further developing drawing, visual communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. In the final rotation, students are introduced to animation and filmmaking, where they learn the principles of storyboarding, sequencing, movement, and digital media. The study of animation highlights the importance of visual storytelling within contemporary creative industries and introduces students to potential career pathways in areas such as film, television, gaming, advertising, marketing, graphic design, and digital content creation.

Year 8

A new scheme of work for 2026-2027 is being launched, Africa.  This introduces students to the rich diversity of African art, culture, and visual traditions through a range of practical and creative projects. Students begin by developing their observational drawing skills, studying African masks, landscapes, wildlife, and patterns while refining their understanding of line, tone, shape, and composition. Through these activities, students gain a greater appreciation of the ways in which art reflects cultural identity, heritage, and storytelling.

As the project develops, students explore a variety of materials and processes, including mixed media, batik, marbling, and printmaking. They investigate the use of colour, pattern, texture, and symbolism within African art and apply these ideas to their own creative outcomes. These activities encourage experimentation and help students develop technical skills, creativity, resilience, and confidence in using a range of artistic techniques.

Year 9

The Year 9 Scheme of Learning is designed to develop and extend the knowledge, skills, and understanding required for success at GCSE Art and Design, while introducing students to the working practices and Assessment Objectives (AOs) of the AQA GCSE specification.

Throughout the year, students engage in a broad range of creative activities that encourage inquiry, experimentation, and independent thinking. These include mind mapping, artist research, photography, gallery visits, observational drawing, annotation, and the development of personal responses to a variety of themes and stimuli. Students learn how to investigate and explore ideas effectively, recording their observations and inspirations while building a deeper understanding of artistic processes.

Media

Students are encouraged to experiment confidently with a wide range of materials, techniques, and processes, including drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, textiles, digital media, and three-dimensional work. Through practical investigation, they develop their ability to refine ideas, make informed creative decisions, and communicate visual concepts effectively. Alongside technical skill development, students strengthen their creative thinking, independence, critical analysis, and evaluative skills.

Coursework Launch

Following the Easter break, students begin their GCSE coursework project, providing an early and valuable introduction to the demands and expectations of the GCSE course. This allows students to establish strong foundations for their portfolio, undertake sustained investigations, and begin developing a more personal and meaningful direction within their work. By commencing this major project in Year 9, students enter Year 10 with increased confidence, creativity, and a clear understanding of the GCSE Art and Design journey ahead.

Year 10 and 11

NEA

In GCSE Art, students complete two assessed components. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) is worth 60% of the final grade and is developed throughout Years 10 and 11. Students explore a theme through research, artist studies, experimentation and practical work, leading to a final outcome.

ESA

The Externally Set Assignment (ESA) is worth 40% of the final grade and takes place in Year 11. Students respond to a theme set by the exam board, developing ideas before producing a final piece during a supervised 10-hour practical examination.

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Sixth Form prospectus - Please click here