Newport Girls' High School

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Art & DT

Academic 

The Art and Design Technology Faculty allows pupils to explore their individuality through creativity and problem solving. Students will make use of a range of materials and techniques to solve everyday problems and produce solutions to a wide variety of briefs. In Design Technology pupils have the opportunity to design and make products that respond to a wide variety of situations within a range of contexts. Within Art they will be pushed to show their own interests and talents to produce their work.

This faculty allows for students to progress through GCSE to A Level led by experienced practitioners with a wide range of specialisms.  Teachers use a variety of Teaching and Learning methods including Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction to push learners to reach their potential.

For all information about the faculty and its subjects, please use the options to the left where you will find curriculum and course information.

  • Faculty Staff

    The faculty comprises specialists in each field including Fine Art, Graphics, Product Design and Resistant Materials. 

    Mr R Williams joined NGHS in September 2022 as Head of this newly-created Faculty.

    Mr R Williams Head of Faculty, Co-Assistant Headteacher, DT
    Mrs A Benoit Teacher of Art 
    Mrs J Rose Teacher of Art 
    Miss T Wells Teacher of DT & Art

    The nominated link governor to Art & DT is Mrs Jenny Doyle.

  • Faculty Vision / Intent

    The Art and Design Technology Faculty gives students the chance to develop their knowledge,
    confidence and to articulate their hard work and progress. Within this Faculty, we aim to create the very best artists, designers and creative thinkers.

    The Art and Design Technology Faculty is dedicated to developing critical thinking and visual
    literacy through a challenging and engaging environment. We hope to develop a lifelong passion to
    learn, explore, create and work like those in the field would. Our subjects empower students
    through collaboration and encourages the sharing of ideas and with peer critiques students are
    guided to be positive, specific and helpful to discuss their own work and that of others. By placing
    this focus on our curriculum, we want to make learning accessible, rewarding, thought provoking
    and meaningful to all, allowing us to challenge students to problem solve and reach their potential.
    The Faculty staff have a passion for their subject and this enthusiasm permeates through each
    learning experience planned to excite students to think and create.

  • Curriculum Sequencing

    Please use the links below to access the curriculum sequencing documents:

    Curriculum Sequencing KS3-5 Art
    Curriculum Sequencing KS3-5 Design Technology

    As well as the curriculum sequencing documents above, at NGHS, we produce a short curriculum summary for each year group. We call these 'Learning Overviews' and the primary audience is for students/parents to know how the curriculum is mapped in a particular year group.

  • Learning Overviews KS3-KS5

    Please use the links below to access the Learning Overviews for each key stage:

    Learning Overview - Year 7 Art

    Learning Overview - Year 7 Design Technology

    Learning Overview - Year 8 Art
    Learning Overview - Year 8 Design Technology
    Learning Overview - Year 9 Art
    Learning Overview - Year 9 Design Technology
    Learning Overview - Year 10 Art (GCSE)
    Learning Overview - Year 11 Art (GCSE)
    Learning Overview - Year 10 Design Technology
    Learning Overview - Year 11 Design Technology
    Learning Overview - A-level Art
    Learning Overview - A-level Design Technology
  • Examination Board Links

    Please use the links below to access the correct external exam board websites for each qualification offered by this faculty:

    GCSE

    GCSE Art (OCR)
    GCSE Product Design (AQA)

    A-level

    A-level Art (AQA)
    A-level Product Design (AQA)
  • Faculty Accommodation

    Faculty Accommodation

    Specialist Facilities Supporting Creative and Technical Excellence

    The Art and Design Technology Faculty at Newport Girls’ High School is housed in two recently refurbished, purpose-built practical classrooms—one dedicated to Art and the other to Design Technology. These modern learning environments are designed to foster creativity, hands-on exploration, and high-quality outcomes across all key stages.

    Specialist Spaces and Equipment

    • Art Studio: The Art classroom is equipped with flexible workspaces, high-quality materials, and display areas that encourage experimentation and showcase student work.
    • Design Technology Workshop: The DT room features individual workstations and access to industry-standard tools and equipment, including laptop computers loaded with CAD/CAM software and a laser cutter, enabling students to bring their digital designs to life with precision and professionalism.

    Shared Resources
    A central store room and office provides easy access to shared materials and resources, while a dedicated kiln room supports ceramics and 3D art projects, allowing students to explore sculptural techniques and processes.

    Outdoor and Digital Learning Spaces

    • Our bespoke outdoor art studio, designed specifically for Sixth Form teaching, offers a unique and inspiring environment for advanced creative work. Surrounded by natural light and open space, it encourages reflective practice and large-scale experimentation.
    • The DT team also makes strategic use of an adjacent IT suite, allowing students to seamlessly integrate digital design, research, and presentation skills into their projects.

    Enhanced Learning Opportunities
    These facilities are not just functional—they are central to our enrichment programme. Students benefit from:

    • Mini tutorials and skill workshops delivered in specialist spaces
    • Coursework clinics with access to tools and materials for refining practical work
    • Homework support sessions where students can use equipment and receive guidance
    • Collaborative projects that make use of both indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging cross-disciplinary thinking and teamwork

    Empowering Creativity and Innovation
    By combining facilities with expert teaching and tailored support, the Art and Design Technology Faculty provides an environment where students can thrive creatively, technically, and academically. Whether working on a personal portfolio, a group project, or preparing for exams, students have access to the resources and spaces they need to succeed.

  • Wider Opportunities

    Newport Girls High School's Art and Design Technology faculty offers diverse curriculum enrichment opportunities to enhance creativity, skill development, and interdisciplinary learning. Students can participate in the Doodle Club, where they can freely express their artistic talents and explore different styles and techniques. Our Textiles Club provides hands-on projects in sewing, embroidery, and fabric manipulation, fostering creativity and practical skills.
    We have links with the SustaiNGHS Environmental Club, which encourages students to consider sustainability in art and design. Collaborating with the STEM Club, we integrate art, design, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, fostering problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
    To support students with their GCSE and A-Level studies, we offer coursework drop-in clinics and tutorials. These sessions provide dedicated time and guidance for refining techniques, seeking advice, and receiving feedback.
    In Newport Girls' High School's Art and Design Technology faculty, we strive to create a comprehensive and enriching environment for students. Through clubs, sustainable initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and academic support, we nurture artistic talent, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

  • Relevant website links

    The Faculty recommends students use the following websites to aid their learning: