Art provides pupils with the tools to be creative, ambitious and resilient. Every great artist must, at first, fail to achieve their goals.   At De Lacy Academy we stretch and challenge our pupils through experimentation and expression. We aim to teach practical art lessons, every lesson. This engages our pupils and fosters a love for the subject. We aim to give our pupils the skills and knowledge to further their education at college and beyond. 

The De Lacy artist’s journey begins with learning the key formal elements. This gives our students a strong base which they can build upon. Our pupils look at their work and others with a critical mind and contextual knowledge. 

Throughout Key Stage 3 pupils will look at  and be inspired by contemporary and historical artists. As each year passes, pupils will develop a more rigorous understanding of art and the cultural world around them. Here at De Lacy we truly want our pupils to leave school with a love and understanding of art. 

Our pupils at KS4 will be given much more freedom to express themselves through their own ideas. Students will work on briefs and themes which are designed to bring the best out of everyone. They will refine their skills and work to clear objectives. They will experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques. This broad approach will give pupils an opportunity to discover their specialist pathway for when they enter higher education. De Lacy students will work on sustained units of work that show how they have developed as an artist. 

 Our teachers will demonstrate to, question and challenge every single pupil over Key Stage 4 aiming to ensure learning that will be remembered for life.  Here at De Lacy we build passionate and reflective pupils through our curriculum to have a brave approach when developing skills with media and their techniques, using the physical act of art as a tool for looking, experiencing and learning.  

Understanding and applying the formal elements of art across all disciplines: line, shape, form, tone, texture, pattern, colour and composition are vital in underpinning creative work and successful students and this is reinforced throughout the curriculum.  We are committed to nurturing resilient, ambitious and curious students who will embed creativity in their own futures, careers and everyday life. 

Art Club: Check the Enrichment page for updates.

We attend exhibitions and also partake in trips to enhance the students understanding of their work. 

We have workshops and visiting artists working with the students during the GCSE course.