Art & Design at NHGS
Students of Art at North Halifax are provided a rich and diverse exposure to the dynamic and complexities of visual language culture. The curriculum empowers young people with the ability to create, design, and problem solve in the full breadth and versatility of art.
Our knowledge rich curriculum empowers young people with the tools they need to confidently express themselves through a range of media that can be applied to designing, creating and experimentation, realising and reviewing.
Art lessons will inspire young people and make them feel proud of their achievements. Students will be motivated to engage in their art lessons and feel a sense of accomplishment. They will understand that art is a journey of growth, where challenges and mistakes are essential stepping stones to mastery. This concept aligns with their progression from novice to expert scholar.
"Having recently graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Illustration from the University of Brighton, I will never forget how this journey all started by standing in a NHGS art room, in front of a large empty canvas and asking myself "Where do I even start???". It is the type of excitement only a creative person can comprehend. However, anyone can be creative, it is simply a form of expression in which we are all capable of." Mia, NHGS Art Alumni
“Art A level at NHGS was essential for studying Architecture at university. You learn how to creatively solve problems and communicate ideas visually, and over the course of sixth form, you are able to put together a portfolio of work that is essential for university interviews.” Max, NHGS Art Alumni
Key Stage 3
Art lessons at NHGS set out to promote Art & Design as a powerful tool for creative development, experimentation and self-expression. All lessons aim to develop practical skills alongside visual literacy, contextual understanding and critical thinking. Students will gain confidence in handling various media and processes and will also gain insight in to the culture and systems of the art studios, learning to work alongside peers and practitioners.
Our KS3 curriculum supports students to;
- produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
- become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft, and design techniques.
- evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft, and design.
- know about renowned artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
- to use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks and other media as a basis for exploring their ideas.
Click here to see the Key Stage 3 on a page document.
"My art lessons at NHGS were so much more than classes – they were a community where I found friendships, mentorship, and inspiration. The art and photography room's open-door policy made it a space I wanted to spend time in. It’s where I learned to navigate the creative world." Rhianna Thomas, Founder of Vision Arhi www.visionarhi.com
Key Stage 4
Art lessons at NHGS set out to promote Art & Design as a powerful tool for creative development, experimentation and self-expression. All lessons aim to develop practical skills alongside visual literacy, contextual understanding and critical thinking. As students move from novice to expert, they will be confident in handling various media and processes and researching artists and contexts independently. They will become independent practitioners who may have begun to specialise into an area of interest or expertise in readiness for Art & Design at A Level should they choose it.
Our KS4 curriculum supports students to;
- Explore and encounter artists, artworks and ‘big ideas’ that have shaped art and art histories.
- Develop a capacity for critical and creative questioning, thinking and making.
- Learn and develop practical skills via rich opportunities for personal expression and independent development.
- Respond to structured teacher input, live briefs and community-initiated projects.
Click on the link to view GCSE Art (AQA) summary document - NHGS KS4 GCSE Art
"Art lessons at NHGS were always the highlight of my day. It was a fun and creative environment that really let me fully explore what it was that I enjoyed about art. The staff are super supportive and made lessons really engaging. The course really helped me see how I could continue doing what I love, I had the encouragement from peers and staff alike to pursue my higher education in Illustration. I have fond memories of my time in Art lessons at NHGS; there was never a dull moment." Lily, NHGS Art Alumni
Key Stage 5
Sixth Form Art & Design students are the beating heart of the art department at NHGS. They are confident, proficient, expert learners who independently explore their own pathways based on their own interests and aspirations.
NHGS Art & Design A Level provides exciting, diverse and challenging creative opportunities. It has established an outstanding reputation for student success, developed through experimental and forward-thinking teaching and learning. Gallery visits, artist workshops and residential fieldwork also form an important part of a rich and rewarding curriculum.
Our KS5 curriculum supports students to;
- Explore and encounter artists, artworks and ‘big ideas’ that have shaped art and art histories.
- Develop a capacity for critical and creative questioning, thinking and making.
- Learn and develop practical skills via rich opportunities for personal expression and independent development.
- Respond to structured teacher input, live briefs and community-initiated projects.
Click on the link to view A Level Art summary document - NHGS KS5 A Level Art
"Art and Photography at NHGS was my stepping stone into the creative industry. Even though I didn’t take Art at GCSE, the teachers and my peers helped me develop my own style, which ultimately led me to build a career as a freelance creative and set up my own agency. NHGS provided the encouragement and open environment that let me find my unique path." Rhianna Thomas, Founder of Vision Arhi www.visionarhi.com
What Career?
A qualification in Art & Design can be the starting point to many exciting careers in the creative industries. Our students have gone on to careers in:
- Architecture
- Animation & Illustration
- Theatre/ Film/ TV Design
- Costume
- Special Effects for Film & TV
- Photography (Documentary, editorial, fashion, interiors)
- Interior design
- Fashion
- Textile / print design
- Floristry
- Automotive design
- Product Design
- Curation
- Restoration
NHGS Alumni
"Having recently graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Illustration from the University of Brighton, I will never forget how this journey all started by standing in a NHGS art room, in front of a large empty canvas and asking myself "Where do I even start???". It is the type of excitement only a creative person can comprehend. However, anyone can be creative, it is simply a form of expression in which we are all capable of." Mia, NHGS Art Alumni
Art A level at NHGS was essential for studying Architecture at university. You learn how to creatively solve problems and communicate ideas visually, and over the course of sixth form, you are able to put together a portfolio of work that is essential for university interviews. Max, NHGS Art Alumni
“Studying Art at NHGS was always amazing since we were given the creative freedom to explore any topic we liked with full support from the teachers, who helped inspire me towards doing my Animation course at university.” Kaishi, NHGS Art Alumni
Useful Links
BBC Bitesize - GCSE Art & Design
AQA Specification - GCSE AQA Art and Design
Tate Art Terms Modernism