ART
Curriculum Design
At Cranbury College, our Therapeutic Art Curriculum for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 is designed to support emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and creative expression through structured, meaningful art experiences. This curriculum is rooted in the belief that art can be a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and self-discovery.
Design
The curriculum is carefully crafted to promote emotional literacy, resilience, and mindfulness. Each unit is thematically linked to a therapeutic concept—such as letting go, self-expression, or sensory engagement—and delivered through accessible, hands-on activities. The curriculum is inclusive, offering Entry Level and Level 1 pathways to ensure all learners can participate and succeed.
Key themes include:
- Resilience and repair through projects like Kintsugi.
- Mindfulness and focus through Zentangles, Decoupage, and Fluid Art.
- Safe emotional expression through Mask Making, Body Art, and Doodle Collage.
- Sensory engagement and calming techniques through Wax Canvas, Paint Marbling, and Rangoli Art.
- Community and belonging through collaborative projects like the Christmas Gift Sale.
Implementation
Therapeutic art units are delivered in a supportive, trauma-informed environment by staff trained in both creative facilitation and emotional support. Lessons are structured to allow for:
- Step-by-step skill development, ensuring clarity and confidence.
- Reflection and discussion, helping students connect their creative work to personal experiences.
- Flexible pacing, allowing learners to engage at their own comfort level.
- Celebration of achievement, with opportunities to display work and contribute to group projects.
Each unit is designed to be emotionally safe, non-judgmental, and empowering, encouraging students to explore their feelings and identities through art.
Qualifications
Students work toward AQA Unit Awards, which provide formal recognition of achievement in small, manageable steps. These awards are ideal for therapeutic settings, as they validate effort and progress without the pressure of high-stakes assessment.
Units include:
- Entry Level Awards in Kintsugi, Fluid Art, Body Art, Mask Making, Rangoli, Papier Mâché, and more.
- Level 1 Awards in Zentangles and Decoupage, supporting deeper engagement and skill development.
Each unit includes clear learning outcomes, practical tasks, and reflective components, allowing students to build a portfolio of achievement that supports both personal development and future progression.