National Church OF England Academy

Overview
We aim for excellence in the visual arts and nurture well-informed, independent and confident artists. All students have one Art lesson a week at Key Stage 3 and three lessons per week at GCSE. Art is a popular GCSE option.

We offer extension activities and workshops for the Gifted and Talented and organise trips to galleries and museums to enrich  learning and expose students to  original artwork.

Key Stage 3
Year 7  topics: Drawing • Painting • Pattern • Aboriginal art • Still life

Year 8 topics: Portraits • Clay • Figures • Artists and cultural traditions • Psychedelic art

Year 9 topics: Graphics and lettering • Surrealists • Perspective

Key Stage 4 - GCSE Fine Art
In year 10, students students begin developing  coursework units that reflect a personal response and style.

Areas covered include: 2D and 3D materials • Drawing • Painting • Print • Photography • Natural forms • Distorted portraits and figures

Students maintain a sketchbook, collect images, take photographs and are encouraged to visit local landmarks and galleries.

In year 11, students reflect, evaluate and adapt their coursework to develop their own styles, techniques and experiences. They will sit exams at the end of the course, with a period of time allocated to prepare ideas in the weeks leading up to the final exam.

Key Stage 5 - A-Level Art
Our students have recently used their Art A-level to obtain places on Art and Design Foundation courses at Nottinghamshire colleges, photography degree courses and to study architecture at a variety of Universities.

For further details of the A-level course, visit National C of E Academy - Art - fine

Overview
Design Technology prepares students to thrive in a world of rapidly evolving technologies. Through design technology, all students can become informed users of products and develop skills to become the next generation of innovators.

The subject is popular across all key stages, with students exploring areas such as resistant materials, graphics, food, ICT or engineering.

Key stage 3
Students have two lessons a week, combining practical and written ork.

In year 7, students rotate through five areas:  food technology • graphic products • resistant materials • electronic products • ICT

In year 8 and 9, students revisit each area and are introduced to engineering, helping them make informed choices on subject options for key sage 4.

Key stage 4
Students decide at Key Stage 4 to choose a range of vocational courses and academic GCSEs specialising in one area of technology.

Options include:  engineering (manufacturing) • food technology • graphics • resistant materials • ICT

Key stage 5 - A Level students will cover the following:

• Portfolio of creative skills (coursework)
Develop creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities. You will produce a detailed portfolio which will demonstrate your creativity and flair when investigating, designing and making products.

• Design and technology in practice
Learn about materials and processes used in the field of design and technology in order to develop a greater understanding of how products can be designed and manufactured. This unit also covers industrial and commercial practices, together with the importance of quality checks and health and safety issues that must be considered at all times.

• Designing for the future
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of modern design and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues.

• Commercial design (coursework)
Apply the skills you have acquired and developed throughout this course of study, to design and make a product in collaboration with a real client/ user group.

For further details of the A-level course, visit National C of E Academy - Design Technology Product Design

Overview

Engineering Manufacture gives students the opportunity to develop the technical, practical and problem-solving skills needed for a career in modern industry. It’s a hands-on, engaging course that mirrors real engineering environments, helping students become confident creators, skilled makers and critical thinkers.

The subject is highly popular and provides an excellent route for those interested in design, technology and manufacturing. Students learn how products are designed, made and tested, combining creativity with precision to bring ideas to life.

Key stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students can choose to study the OCR Cambridge National in Engineering Manufacture (Level 1/2). This course is designed to provide a strong foundation for future study or employment in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Students take part in a mix of practical workshop sessions and classroom-based learning, developing both their technical understanding and practical competence. They learn to interpret drawings, plan production, and use a wide range of tools, machinery and processes safely and accurately.

The qualification is made up of three main units:

R014 – Principles of Engineering Manufacture (Exam)
Students explore how materials, tools and processes are used within modern engineering. They learn about production methods, health and safety, quality control and the role of technology in industry.

R015 – Manufacturing a One-Off Product (Coursework)
Students apply their practical skills to make a single, high-quality engineered product to a detailed specification. They develop accuracy, attention to detail and safe working practices in a workshop setting.

R016 – Manufacturing in Quantity (Coursework)
This unit introduces students to batch production and teamwork. They plan and manufacture multiple identical components, developing an understanding of workflow, efficiency and quality assurance.

Assessment is divided between 40% written examination and 60% coursework, ensuring students are recognised for both their theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Progression

Completing this course opens up exciting opportunities for progression to A-Level Product Design here at NSFC, Level 3 Engineering, , or engineering apprenticeships. It provides a clear pathway into a wide range of technical and creative careers.

For further details of the A-level course, visit National C of E Academy - Design Technology Product Design

Overview
Within the ICT department at National, there is a wide variety of stimulating and challenging units for students at Key Stages 3 to 5, each designed to broaden comprehension of the digital world we live in, and how ICT can enhance our lives and lifestyles.

Key Stage 3
During year 7, students undertake a marketing scenario to develop their digital literacy skills and work with both graphics and movie making software. In year 8, students learn how to develop a animation for a set client and audience, and in year 9 will develop a computer game to promote recycling.

Key Stage 4
Students learn about current and emerging digital technology and its impact on our lives, working with a range of tools and techniques and exploring interactive digital products such as websites, computer games and databases.

They will study the Edexcel Level 2 certificate in Digital Applications, which has been designed to engage and enthuse young people with an interest in creative computing, for example digital graphics and animation, interactive multimedia products and computer games.

Overview
Photography is a popular course with students who want to extend their knowledge of different art forms. They have the opportunity to develop a wide range of photographic skills ranging from experimental image making, studio, location and digital. Producing a portfolio of practical work is an essential element to the course, showing off a wide range of high quality images that students have created.

Key Stage 4
Students will explore, acquire and develop skills, knowledge and understanding through the application of traditional and or digital techniques and processes of photography. Students will study in one or more area(s) of photography:

• Documentary photography
• Photo-journalism
• Studio photography
• Location photography
• Experimental imagery
• Installation
• Moving image

Key Stage 5
This course will enable you to form a personal enquiry and expression using the selection and manipulation of images. You will have the opportunity to explore relative approaches beyond primary observation and recording. Typically, you will investigate:

• alternative processes • black and white photography • colour photography • digital photography • location photography • studio photography

For further details of the A-level course, visit National C of E Academy - Photography