At Brookhaven, we believe every young person should experience art and design as a meaningful way to understand themselves, communicate ideas and engage with the world.
Art & Design Curriculum Intent Statement
Our Art and Design curriculum is inclusive, aspirational and skills-based, enabling learners to develop creativity, confidence and independence through exploration of historical and contemporary art and design practices.
Art and design learning supports emotional expression, sensory regulation, communication and problem-solving — while also opening pathways to further study, employment and lifelong creative engagement.
Curriculum Overview
Art and Design at Brookhaven covers a broad range of historical, cultural and contemporary practices. Learners are encouraged to explore artists, designers and makers from different cultures, time periods and disciplines, building visual literacy and critical thinking in ways that are accessible and meaningful.
- Drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media
- Sculpture and 3D processes
- Craft, design and applied art
- Artist research and contextual studies
- Personal investigation and creative decision-making
Leadership & Subject Development
Subject Lead: Lucy Williamson. Art and Design is planned and delivered by specialist staff with strong understanding of autism, sensory needs and differentiated pathways. Curriculum development is informed by GCSE Art and Design requirements, Brookhaven Steps, EHCP outcomes and best practice in SEND art education. The department works collaboratively with therapy teams and pastoral staff to ensure learning is supportive, accessible and ambitious.
Students follow a pathway suited to their needs and aspirations, with qualifications and experiences designed to build confidence and open doors to future creative opportunities.
OCR Entry Level Certificate in Art & Design
An accessible qualification for learners working below GCSE level. Focuses on practical art-making, exploration of materials and processes, and personal creative response. Assessment is flexible and supportive, recognising engagement, skill development and individual progress.
OCR GCSE Art & Design
Offered where appropriate, with structured support and adapted approaches to coursework, sketchbook development and assessment objectives. Emphasis on personal investigation and sustained creative work, with learners exploring historical and contemporary artists to develop visual literacy and critical thinking.
Vocational Pathway
Practical, skills-focused learning linked to real-world creative industries and enterprise. Students have opportunities to design and make products, explore creative roles and develop employability skills such as planning, teamwork and responding to briefs.
Independence Pathway
Sensory-informed, highly practical art experiences focusing on exploration, choice-making, fine motor skills and routine. Creative activities support wellbeing, communication, engagement and independence, with clear links to everyday life and the community.
Learning is carefully structured, assessment values process and engagement, and cultural enrichment connects students to the wider creative world.
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
Learning is broken into clear, manageable steps using visual supports, modelling and structured routines. Progress is measured through Brookhaven Steps, recognising individual starting points and personal development. Assessment values process, engagement and skill development as well as final outcomes. Student voice is central — learners are supported to make choices, reflect on their work and celebrate achievements.
Cultural Capital & Enrichment
Brookhaven benefits from access to the rich cultural offer of Greater Manchester, enhancing learning beyond the classroom through artist references connected to real places, galleries and creative careers, local visits and virtual gallery tours, and links between classroom learning and the wider creative world — helping students see art as relevant and achievable.
Art, Wellbeing & Personal Development
Art and Design plays a key role in supporting emotional regulation and self-expression, confidence and self-esteem, communication and social interaction, and independence and resilience. Creative success is celebrated and shared across the school community, reinforcing positive identity and achievement.
Brookhaven's Art and Design provision is rooted in high expectations, SEND expertise and a belief in every learner's creative potential. Whether pursuing GCSE study, vocational routes or personal creative development, students are supported to develop skills and confidence that will enrich their lives beyond school.