Art, Design & Technology
Designing a KS3 Art, Craft and Design Curriculum that Drives KS4 Success
Overview
This session will explore how to design and implement a successful Key Stage 3 Art and Technology curriculum that effectively prepares students for progression into Key Stage 4 Art, Craft and Design qualifications. Participants will consider curriculum planning, sequencing of learning, and the development of knowledge, skills, and creative confidence. The session will also examine the effective use of resources, assessment opportunities, and high-quality outcomes to ensure a coherent and engaging learning journey. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for creating a sustainable, ambitious, and well-structured curriculum that supports long-term student success.
Our Aims
- Understand the key principles of designing an effective and sustainable KS3 Art and Technology curriculum.
- Explore how KS3 curriculum planning can support successful progression to KS4 Art, Craft and Design qualifications.
- Develop strategies for sequencing knowledge, skills, and creative experiences across Key Stage 3.
- Identify approaches to building students’ technical, analytical, and creative confidence.
- Review examples of high-quality student outcomes and their links to curriculum intent.
- Consider ways to ensure inclusivity, engagement, and challenge for all learners.
- Gain practical ideas and resources that can be adapted to individual school contexts.
- Create an action plan for strengthening curriculum provision within participants’ own departments.
Course Leader
Kirstie Dunn
Art Teacher, Parkside Academy
Kirstie Dunn is Second in the Art and Technology Faculty at Parkside Academy. With 13 years of teaching experience, she joined Parkside nine years ago as a Teacher of Art before progressing to Head of Art and, four years ago, Second in Faculty. With her leadership, the department has flourished, achieving Platinum Artsmark status and delivering strong outcomes across Art, Photography, Graphics, Product Design, Textiles and Hospitality and Catering. Kirstie has also supported numerous primary and secondary schools in developing and enhancing their art curricula.