• All learners are entitled to and should have access to an Arts and Design education.
• Education through Art and Design inspires students to develop their Cultural Capital.
• Cultural Capital is a human right. It promotes social justice, understanding and participation in society. It encourages students to consider different beliefs, other cultures, ways of looking, thinking, doing and being.
• Art connects students to each other and the rest of the world. It encourages students to question the world around them, to develop, form and express opinions.
• Art helps students to develop both verbal and non-verbal methods and skills of communication.
• Students learn more about themselves, their values, ethics and beliefs.
• We believe it is a developmental and practical process which should be provided regularly over time.
• Art develops 'Visual Literacy' enabling students to understand Visual Communication - an essential skill in today's world. We also enable students to develop written literacy skills via our subjects.
• Skills are transferable. An Art education enriches and enables learning in other subjects and situations.
• Art helps to build confidence and significantly supports well being.
• We encourage students to find their Creative Voice and develop a Growth Mindset.
• We work as Creative Practitioners. We will encourage students to identify in this way rather than simply students in a lesson.
• Students will develop work related learning skills to equip students for their life after HHS and lifelong learning.

To work creatively and practically allows students to express themselves in a personal manner, building self-awareness and confidence. Students are encouraged to engage their imagination, to become more aesthetically aware and enhance their understanding of the world around them. We celebrate success but at the same time offer constructive formative advice on how to improve.  We feel that pupils should be able to achieve their full potential, regardless of ability or background. We aim to maximise this potential. We aim to equip students with a transferable skills base, developing creative individuals as well as making progress.

We provide an effective learning environment that is both stimulating and welcoming to all.  We aim to offer a wide range of activities and experiences which contribute to the creative, cultural, social, moral and individual development of students.  

The Art Department has created a positive environment with an 'open door' policy for learning and encourages individuality and originality, raising the self-esteem of students by valuing their ideas and opinions and celebrating individual and collective success.  We have an up-to-date learning environment where students have access to a wide range of materials and facilities.

We have an exciting curriculum at all key stages which builds on knowledge and the application of skills and techniques with increasing complexity over time.  It is regularly reviewed and improved.  We consider links with the outside world essential for developing student's subject knowledge and appreciation.  We provide a wide range of expertise from teachers, technicians, classroom support and visiting practitioners.  Our teachers understand the pedagogy of learning in their areas as well as having excellent subject knowledge.  We work collaboratively and are united by our shared vision.

We track pupils' progress, ensuring students are aware of current working levels, target levels and how to get there.  We understand the importance of intrinsic motivation.  We support students who are underachieving for any reason and always seek to understand the reasons behind behaviour to prevent it becoming a barrier to learning.