---
title: Secondary - Art and design
subjects:
    - Art and Design
year_levels:
    - Stage 3
    - Stage 4
official_source_url: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-secondary-curriculum
official_published_at: 11 September 2013
official_updated_at: 2 December 2014
---

# Art and design {#art-and-design}

## Purpose of study {#purpose-of-study}

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

## Aims {#aims}

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:

- 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 great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

## Attainment targets {#attainment-targets}

By the end of key stage 3, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the programme of study.

## Subject content {#subject-content}

### Key stage 3 {#key-stage-3}

Pupils should be taught to develop their creativity and ideas, and increase proficiency in their execution. They should develop a critical understanding of artists, architects and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform their own work. Pupils should be taught:

- to use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media as a basis for exploring their ideas
- to use a range of techniques and media, including painting
- to increase their proficiency in the handling of different materials
- to analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work
- about the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day.