Creative Arts CURRICULUM

Creative Arts (Fine Art, Photography, Graphics, 3D Design, Hospitality & Catering, Food & Nutrition, Media Studies, Film Studies)

Fine art 

OUR fine art CURRICULUM 

What is fine art?

Fine art is all about creativity, expression, and aesthetics. It includes painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and other forms traditionally recognised as artistic endeavours. Unlike commercial or decorative art, fine art is often seen as a reflection of an artist's vision, emotions, or commentary on the world.

fine art at orion eden park

The Fine Art curriculum at Orion Eden Park empowers students to become independent learners while developing key skills and techniques. Students learn to develop an idea, refine work and respond to a theme while creating their own personal response. The curriculum introduces key concepts including, colour theory, composition and the key skills of drawing, painting, collage and printmaking. By fostering creativity, adaptability and independence our curriculum prepares students for success within Fine Art

fine art at ks3

In Year 7, 8 & 9, students have 1 x 50 minute lesson per week of Fine Art. The focus of the Year 7 Fine Art curriculum is to introduce students to the formal elements and develop their skills and knowledge in observational drawing and colour theory,  as well as experimenting in a range of different media. By the end of Year 7 they should be confident in defining and identifying the visual elements.  

From Year 8, students focus is Culture, Identity and Symbolism. Students will explore this through Portraiture and learn about a range of diverse artists. They will revisit previous skills and will learn to demonstrate and apply them in a new context, developing their skills using tone, perspective and composition.  

As students progress into Year 9, they will explore Landscape & Architecture and will begin to Infer meaning in artworks. They will explore a range of artist’s styles and experiment with a variety of art materials, processes, and techniques to develop their creative skills and create outcomes that have strong contextual links.  

fine art at ks4

In KS4 Students will analyse, develop and create a range of outcomes in response to an independent theme. Students are introduced to key concepts and processes in more depth such as drawing, painting, printmaking, composition, layout, colour and collage. Students develop their technical skills and visual literacy through experimentation and in-depth analysis and reflection.  

fine art at ks5

Students learn how to become independent thinkers and creators through examining all aspects of Fine Art. They begin a more contextual approach to creating artwork and discover key meaning and messages which underpins theirs and other artist’s work. Students start to explore a wide range of processes and techniques, creating work with purpose and meaning. Students develop their critical and contextual skills through analysis and research.

photography

OUR photography CURRICULUM 

What is photography?

Photography is the art of capturing moments, emotions, and perspectives through the lens of a camera. At its core, it's about using light, composition, and timing to create an image, whether it's for artistic expression, storytelling, documentation, or even science.

photography at orion eden park

The photography curriculum at Orion Eden Park has been designed to challenge, foster critical thinking and develop technical skills as students explore diverse photographic techniques. It encourages innovation and pushes creative boundaries by introducing students to contemporary and traditional approaches in photography.  

In lessons, students draw inspiration from a wide range of photographers and visual artists, analysing their works to deepen their understanding of photographic techniques and the photographic eye. By promoting keen experimentation in their creative work, students are encouraged to take risks, refining their personal style and, ultimately, creating and producing visually compelling photographic pieces. Students endeavour to reflect on their own personal expression and style and how their ability to use photographic techniques achieves desired outcomes.  

photography at KS3

In Year 9, Students are introduced to the fundamentals of photography in a 12-week rotation. They are asked to create a response to a set theme given to them at the beginning of the project. Key skills such as composition, viewpoint, visual analysis, hand rendering, digital processes, and evaluation are covered giving students a strong start to the subject.  

photography at KS4

Students explore the key concepts in photography in more depth. Concepts of exposure, composition and lighting, as well as use of the darkroom, and greater experimentation of hand and digital alterations to images are developed throughout to ensure students create a personal response demonstrating their own technical and creative skills. Students are also taught to develop their visual literacy; looking at images as a form of expression and language and reflecting on their own image making processes throughout their journey to develop their own ideas.  

ks4 photography subject curriculum plan.pdf

photography at KS5

Students learn how to become independent thinkers and creators through examining all aspects of photography. They begin a more contextual approach to creating artwork and discover key meaning and messages which underpins theirs and the photographer’s work. Students start to explore image making through storytelling and narratives, creating work with purpose and meaning. Students develop their critical and contextual skills through analysis and research and develop their technical skills. 

 

graphic communication 

What is graphic communication?

Graphic communication is all about visually conveying messages, ideas, and information through design elements like typography, imagery, color, and layout. It's a broad field that includes graphic design, advertising, branding, digital media, and even illustration.

graphic communication at orion eden park

The Graphics curriculum at Eden Park High School empowers students to become independent learners while developing their knowledge of key industry-standard skills and techniques.  Students learn to effectively communicate messages through visual storytelling and explore a diverse range of techniques, media, and processes. The curriculum introduces key concepts including, colour theory, design principles, composition & layout, vector-based imagery, illustration and typography and how these can be applied in packaging, branding, merchandise and marketing.  By fostering creativity, adaptability, and a strong foundation in design principles, our curriculum prepares students for success in the dynamic field of graphic design. 

graphic communication at KS3

In Year7, 8 & 9, Students are introduced to the fundamentals of design on rotation, in response to a set theme. Themes include:  packaging goes pop!, Rebels & Icons & Alternative Movie Poster.   Key skills such as typography, colour theory, illustration, analysis and evaluation and covered giving students key foundational introductory knowledge. 

graphic communication at KS4

Students develop their technical skills and learn how to respond independently to a theme. Students are introduced to key concepts in more depth such as the design principles, composition and layout, colour and typography. Students develop their visual literacy through in depth analysis and reflection and how to develop their own ideas independently. 

ks4 graphics subject curriculum plan.pdf

 

3D Design

What is 3d design?

3D design is the art and process of creating three-dimensional objects and environments using digital or physical methods. It’s widely used in industries like architecture, animation, gaming, product design, and virtual reality. Unlike flat, two-dimensional artwork, 3D design adds depth, allowing objects to be viewed from multiple angles.

3d design at orion eden park

The 3D Design curriculum promotes an appreciation for a vast range of designers and makers within areas of product design, sculpture, installation, ceramics, architecture, jewellery and set design. Students are taught the fundamentals of how to generate a design solution to portray a journey exploring a diverse range of materials and approaches.  The curriculum is designed to offer students the opportunity to work with clay, wire, plaster, Modroc, willow, found materials, foam boards, timbers, metals, and plastics. This allows them to experience different processes and discover different skills within these materials. 

3d design at KS3

As part of the 3D Design curriculum in KS3, students have the opportunity to respond to design briefs, develop their problem-solving skills and proceed to work with materials including wood, metal, plastic, ceramics and Modroc. Over the course of KS3 students gain confidence in safely and competently using the tools and machinery in the workshop. 

Y7 students begin with a ‘Junkyard robot’ design and make. They learn to use hand tools such as the Tenon Saw to shape their robot pieces. Later progressing to including fixings and different finishing techniques.  

Y8 students begin with a clock project. Designing for a client ‘Swatch’ and ensuring their designs are suitable for their target user. Students are encouraged to create designs that are more challenging in construction, while thinking creatively about design solutions for numbers. They continue to develop competencies in the use of hand tools, with more experimentation of materials and workshop machinery.

3d design at KS4

food technology

What is food technology?

Food technology is the study and application of science to improve food production, processing, preservation, and safety. It covers everything from developing new food products and refining manufacturing techniques to enhancing nutrition and sustainability.

food technology at orion eden park

The Food curriculum aims to provide students with a solid foundation in understanding food, nutrition, and the importance of a healthy diet. By the end of KS3, students should have developed the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their food choices. Our goal is to build confidence in students by encouraging them to learn from their experiences and explore a diverse range of cultures and ingredients. Students will become independent within a food environment while producing their own unique dishes. 

food technology at KS3

Year 7 students will learn the importance of safety in a cooking environment and learn the 4C’s to good hygiene. They will develop an understanding of how to prepare a range of fresh ingredients, and how to weigh and measure these accurately. By the end of the term, they will have gained confidence in the cooking area.  

In Year 8, students will build on the experiences they developed and learn a broader range of culinary skills. They will learn how to develop basic sauce and pastry methods and combine them into classic recipes. Throughout their time in the food room, they will use a wider range of kitchen equipment and learn more in depth about food hygiene and working safely in this environment.  

In Year 9, students will be introduced to Hospitality and Catering. We will study the foods that our bodies need and how these can be incorporated into a tantalising menu. Students will learn how to write detailed time plans and a comprehensive evaluation of their tasks.  

hospitality & catering at KS4

Hospitality and Catering is an appealing field for students. The Hospitality and Catering industry offer a wide range of career paths, including hotel management, event planning, culinary arts, and tourism. It is a growing sector with global job opportunities. Students gain practical skills such as communication, customer service, management, problem solving, and teamwork. These Skills are valuable across various industry. In Hospitality and Catering creativity is encouraged, whether it is designing unique dining experience, creating menus, or planning events. It fosters innovation and personal expression. Students can leverage their knowledge to start their own business, such as restaurants, cafes, or event management companies offering entrepreneurial flexibility. By studying hospitality and catering students prepare for a rewarding, varied and global career.

Media & FILM Studies 

OUR Media Studies CURRICULUM 

What is Media Studies?

Media Studies helps students develop a wider understanding and appreciation of the media, both historical and contemporary, and their role in society, culture and politics. Students apply their academic knowledge in the creation of their own media production.

media studies at ks4

Media Studies helps develop critical thinking through teaching them about the media's role in shaping public opinion and culture. Students examine theoretical approaches such as feminist and postmodern perspectives on the media. They look at the evolution of media technologies, industries and their impact on society. It is a dynamic and engaging course that is a 'new' option at GCSE.

ks4 media subject curriculum plan.pdf

media studies at ks5

A Level Media delves further into the theory and science behind the media industry. The course aims to develop independent, critical, and creative thinkers who can confidently analyse and produce media in a rapidly evolving digital world. Through in-depth study of media language, representation, industry, and audiences, students gain a sophisticated understanding of how media shapes perceptions and influences society. A Level Media Studies equips learners with the academic and practical skills needed for further study or careers in media, communications, and related fields. 

ks5 media subject curriculum plan.pdf

FILM studies at ks5

Film Studies aims to nurture a deep appreciation of film as both an art form and a medium of cultural expression. The course encourages students to critically engage with a diverse range of films from different eras, cultures, and production contexts. Through analytical study and creative filmmaking, students develop advanced skills in visual literacy, critical thinking, and storytelling—preparing them for further academic study or careers in the creative industries. 

ks5 film subject curriculum plan.pdf