Art & Design

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, we believe that Art and Design provides a powerful opportunity for pupils to express themselves, build confidence and engage creatively with the world around them. Through artistic exploration, pupils develop practical skills, resilience and independence while discovering new ways to communicate their ideas, experiences and emotions.

Our Art and Design curriculum encourages learners to experiment, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice. Pupils explore a range of techniques, materials and processes, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media and digital art. Alongside developing technical skills, they learn how to reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others using appropriate artistic vocabulary.

We recognise that creativity can play an important role in supporting wellbeing, self-esteem and personal growth. Art provides pupils with a safe and engaging outlet for self-expression, helping them develop confidence in their abilities and take pride in their achievements. Through carefully planned projects, pupils are encouraged to explore themes that are relevant to their lives, interests and aspirations.

As part of their learning, pupils study the work of a diverse range of artists, designers and creative practitioners from different cultures, periods and backgrounds. This helps them understand how art reflects and shapes society while broadening their appreciation of creativity in the wider world.

Our curriculum supports the development of the academy’s core values of Character, Currency and Community. Pupils develop resilience, problem-solving and critical thinking skills through creative challenges, gain valuable knowledge and skills that can support future pathways, and explore how art can connect people, cultures and communities.

We are committed to helping pupils recognise the opportunities available within the creative industries. Throughout their studies, learners are introduced to a wide range of career pathways, including graphic design, illustration, photography, animation, fashion, architecture, interior design, fine art and digital media. By developing creativity, communication and practical skills, pupils are equipped with transferable skills that will support them in education, employment and lifelong learning.

Through Art and Design, we aim to inspire creativity, nurture talent and empower every pupil to develop confidence in themselves and their ability to contribute positively to the world around them.

Careers (Preparation for Adulthood)

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, we believe that every young person has the potential to achieve success and build a positive future. Careers education plays a vital role in helping pupils develop aspirations, understand their strengths and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Our careers programme is designed to support pupils in preparing for adulthood by developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress into further education, training, apprenticeships or employment. We recognise that many of our learners have faced challenges in their educational journey and are committed to providing personalised support that helps them explore opportunities and realise their ambitions.

Our Careers Intent

We aim to ensure that every pupil:

Develops high aspirations and a positive vision for their future.

Understands the range of opportunities available to them after Year 11.

Recognises the links between education, skills and employment.

Develops employability, communication and life skills.

Gains the confidence to make informed decisions about their next steps.

Is prepared for successful transition into further education, training, apprenticeships or employment.

Careers education is embedded throughout our curriculum and wider school experience, helping pupils make meaningful connections between their learning and future pathways.

Learning About the World of Work

Pupils have access to a wide range of careers-related experiences and opportunities, including:

Learning about local, regional and national labour market opportunities.

Exploring how different subjects and skills link to future careers.

Encounters with employers, training providers, colleges and universities.

Visits to workplaces and education providers.

Careers fairs, workshops and enrichment activities.

Employability skills development, including CV writing, applications and interview preparation.

Meaningful encounters with professionals from a variety of industries and sectors.

Preparation for Adulthood

Preparation for Adulthood is a key part of our curriculum and supports pupils in developing the knowledge, confidence and independence required for life beyond school.

Through dedicated learning opportunities, pupils develop:

Communication and interpersonal skills.

Financial awareness and budgeting skills.

Independent living skills.

Workplace behaviours and expectations.

Decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Understanding of health, wellbeing and personal responsibility.

Personalised Careers Support

We recognise that every learner’s journey is different. Our careers provision is tailored to meet individual needs and ensure all pupils receive the guidance required to make successful transitions.

Additional support may be provided for pupils who require enhanced guidance, including those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), or who have additional learning needs.

Support may include:

One-to-one careers guidance interviews.

Individual transition planning.

College and training provider visits.

Apprenticeship and vocational pathway guidance.

Personalised destination planning.

Additional support for applications, enrolment and transition processes.

Through our careers programme, we aim to ensure that every pupil leaves River Tyne Academy with a clear plan for their future, the confidence to pursue their ambitions and the skills needed to thrive in the next stage of their journey.