Welcome to the Art & Design Department

At Samuel Ward Academy, our Art & Design Department is dedicated to nurturing creativity, critical thinking and technical excellence. With a dynamic two-tier structure for each term, our curriculum balances skill development with the opportunity to apply these skills to personal, meaningful projects. This approach ensures our students not only learn foundational techniques but also gain confidence in exploring their unique artistic voice.

Our fine art curriculum embraces technical training in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, interwoven with art history to provide a deep appreciation of cultural and creative legacies. Students’ progress is celebrated in our virtual galleries, where their work is showcased to the school community and beyond. We’re proud to connect with external creative networks such as the OECD, BIC Foundation, ENACTUS, and several prestigious universities, offering our students exposure to global creative practices.

The department is led by Mr Field-Williams, who additionally serves on the education boards for the Norwich and Norfolk Festival and the Creativity Community of Practice, and regularly showcases our students’ work at annual international summits and conferences. Our excellent teaching team comprises practicing artists who bring their industry experience and passion into the classroom, providing students with authentic insights into the professional art world.

We are proud of our global profile, with exhibitions and collaborations spanning continents. Our alumni have gone on to excel in fields such as media, television, and design, reflecting the strength and versatility of our program and thew schools commitment to creativity and the Arts.

We invite you to explore our comprehensive virtual flipbook, which offers a detailed and engaging journey through the curriculum of our department.

This resource provides an in-depth explanation of our academic programs, assessment methods, and valuable links to external support networks.

Designed for both students and those with an interest in our programmes, the flipbook serves as a thorough guide, illuminating the many facets of our educational approach and the extensive opportunities available within our academic community.

Click here to find out more
about our Art Curriculum

Our Manifesto

At the Samuel Ward Academy Art and Design Department, we believe that creativity is a powerful tool for personal growth, societal contribution, and career development. Our mission is to foster an environment that empowers students to take autonomous control of their learning, enabling them to become independent thinkers and creators who are capable of reflecting critically on their work through metacognition.

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive space where individual expression is celebrated, and each student’s unique perspective is valued. We strive to promote mental well-being by recognizing the therapeutic and empowering nature of creative practice, supporting students in expressing themselves freely and confidently.

Through a wide range of traditional and contemporary media, students develop self-learning skills that equip them with the ability to take initiative in their creative journeys. We encourage the exploration of ideas, critical thinking, and problem-solving as integral components of artistic practice, preparing students for diverse futures in both the arts and broader career paths.

Our department also places a strong emphasis on building connections with external industries, associations, and professional communities, providing students with opportunities to engage with experts and gain insights into real-world applications of their creativity. Through our visual platforms, we showcase students’ achievements and encourage the promotion of their work to a wider audience, building confidence and awareness of the value of art and design.

Guided by a team of experienced and dedicated staff, our department aims to provide an expert-led curriculum that prepares students for further study, careers, and life beyond the classroom, fostering the development of the creative skills, confidence, and resilience necessary for success in an ever-changing world.

Curriculum Overview

Our Exhibitions

We are pleased to present the links to our virtual gallery and exhibitions, showcasing the outstanding work of our students (please click on the links below).

Through strategic collaborations with distinguished external creative programs and organizations, our platform stands out as a unique space where student achievements are celebrated.

The work featured in our virtual gallery is not only a testament to the talent nurtured within our community but is also highly esteemed on a global scale, reflecting the exceptional calibre of creativity and innovation that defines our institution.

Department Staff