The Creativity and Technologies Learning Zone comprises three distinct subject areas: Art, ICT and Design Technology. The LZ offers a broad and flexible curriculum that seeks to inspire the interest of students, promote innovation and foster creativity.
The LZ includes two Art studios, four ICT suites and purpose-built Design Technology rooms.
An eight week carousel system is employed in Years 7 and 8 to enable students to experience each subject area within the Learning Zone. At Key Stage 3, all students have lessons in the following subject areas:
- Art and Design
- ICT and Computer Science
- Food and Nutrition
- Resistant Materials
- Product Design
Art and Design is delivered as an option choice at Key Stage 4 and students will ultimately gain a GCSE qualification in this subject. Over both Key Stages, students will study various Art movements and develop their painting and drawing skills using a wide range of media including charcoals, pastels and acrylic. Students can also include photography, 3D work and use ICT drawing software in their portfolios. Visits to museums, art galleries and media workshops are an integral part of this course. An Art Exhibition to showcase students’ work at Key Stage 4 usually takes place in the summer term.
Design Technology is another option choice at Key Stage 4 and again leads to a GCSE qualification. DT is further broken down into Textiles, Food and Nutrition, Product Design and Construction. Over both Key Stages, students will develop their research and design skills leading them to produce quality products after detailed planning. In all areas of DT, students are encouraged to develop a keen awareness of environmental issues. They are taught to be solution driven and are encouraged to analyse a problem, design a solution and then implement and test it while evaluating the process throughout.
ICT is a compulsory subject for all students and by the end of Year 11 all students will gain a qualification in this subject. Students will develop their web design skills and become proficient in using all of the Office packages. They will also gain an understanding of current technologies as well as how computers work. Students also use image manipulation software to improve their proficiency in graphic design. They will develop advanced spreadsheet skills and improve their ability to create applications for a particular target audience. Some students study Computer Science and they are introduced to programming and are taught how to code in different programming languages. This enables them to develop their logical and analytical thinking.