Art & Design
What if every child had the confidence to see themselves as an artist? How does creativity shape the way we see the world—and our place within it?
At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we believe that every child is an artist. Art is not just about drawing and painting—it is about self-expression, problem-solving, and innovation. Research shows that high-quality arts education improves critical thinking, enhances wellbeing, and boosts academic achievement (Eisner, 2002). Our vision is to be an arts-rich school, where creativity is valued as a powerful tool for learning, communication, and personal growth.
We celebrate the diversity of art—from Punjabi folk art and Islamic geometric patterns to Western portraiture and contemporary digital design. Through our curriculum, pupils explore a range of artistic styles, techniques, and cultural influences, broadening their perspectives and developing a deep appreciation for the arts.
Our Vision for Art & Design:
Unlocking Creativity: We nurture confident, original thinkers who can experiment, take risks, and express themselves visually.
Equity in the Arts: Every child, regardless of ability or background, has access to high-quality arts education, ensuring that progress is relentless and opportunities are open to all.
Diversity of Expression: Pupils learn from a rich tapestry of artistic traditions, developing an appreciation for both historical and contemporary artists from around the world.
Future Pathways: Whether pursuing careers in architecture, fashion, animation, film, advertising, or fine arts, our pupils build the foundational skills needed to succeed in creative industries.
Ensuring Equity in Art & Design:
At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil has access to the highest quality art education, regardless of background, ability, or prior experience. We achieve this through:
Adaptive Teaching: We differentiate our curriculum to ensure that every pupil is supported and challenged at their level, allowing for personalised artistic progression.
Inclusive Representation: Pupils explore artworks from diverse cultures, and historical periods, ensuring that every child sees themselves reflected in the curriculum.
Access to High-Quality Resources: We provide a wide range of materials, digital tools, and expert-led workshops to remove barriers to participation.
Targeted Support & Enrichment: Pupils who need additional encouragement receive structured support, while those with a passion for art are given opportunities to deepen their skills through external competitions, collaborations, and creative partnerships.
How We Teach Art & Design:
At Sikh Heritage Girls School, our approach to Art & Design is hands-on, exploratory, and deeply connected to our school values:
Creative Confidence: We encourage pupils to take risks, make bold choices, and learn through experimentation, embodying our values of courage and perseverance.
Mastery of Skills: Using a carefully sequenced curriculum, we ensure that pupils progress from foundational techniques to more complex artistic practices, supported by Cornerstones Curriculum.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Pupils visit galleries, work with visiting artists, and take part in art-based community projects, fostering a love for the arts that extends beyond school.
High Oracy Standards: Inspired by research on dialogue and creativity (Robinson, 2011), we encourage pupils to critique, discuss, and reflect on artworks with confidence and insight.
Technology & Innovation: From digital illustration to 3D design, we equip pupils with skills that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
The Impact of Our Art & Design Curriculum:
By the time pupils leave Sikh Heritage Girls School, they will:
Have a strong technical and creative foundation in art, craft, and design.
Be able to confidently articulate their artistic choices and engage in meaningful discussions about art.
Demonstrate resilience and originality in their approach to creative problem-solving.
Understand the role of art in shaping culture, identity, and society.
Be inspired to consider careers in design, illustration, architecture, photography, game design, and creative industries.
At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we live by our motto: “Born to Love, Live to Do.” We believe that art is an essential part of what it means to be human—a way to see, understand, and transform the world.
References:
Eisner, E. (2002). The Arts and the Creation of Mind. Yale University Press.
Robinson, K. (2011). Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative. Capstone.