Art, Digital & Technology (ADT)

As a Faculty, ADT (Art, Digital, Technology) is committed to helping our students understand the world around them and express themselves artistically as individuals. Our broad and varied curriculum endeavours to teach them the skills needed to enter the creative industries. The layout of our curriculum builds each lesson, each term, each year on problem-solving and creativity, developing true academic integrity, concentration and resilience. The aim is that the skills developed can be applied to a wide range of other aspects of art and design and that these may be taken up in higher education for practical degree courses such as Architecture, Engineering, Graphic Design, Film and the Arts, Product Design, Fashion and Textiles. Whilst developing these skills we ensure that the breadth of areas explored and the array of experiences our students are exposed to is as broad and exciting as possible, focused on offering our students a glimpse into aspects of life beyond their existing familiarity. 

Staff Profiles

• Ms Su Dean-Ostell, BA (Hons), PGCE - Head of Faculty

I graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Art and Design. I went on to undertake my PGCE in Art and Design at the University of the West of England in 2014. I am an experienced theatre designer, lighting designer, graphic designer, lecturer in technical theatre and mountain climber. I am a member of the Chartered College of Teaching.

• Ms Kirsty Pettett, BA (Hons), PGCE - Second in ADT

After obtaining a first class honours degree in Textiles/Surface Design, I went onto work with a communications team as an interior designer. Alongside this, I worked for a Council Community Art project working with children, this enabled me to  combine both of my passions for Art and Design and working with children. I trained to teach at Bath Spa University. I am a member of the Chartered College of Teaching.

• Miss Carly Bryan, BA (Hons), PGCE

I have a degree in Fine Art and a PGCE in education.  I am a teacher of Art, Design and Philosophy. I have also been a pastoral leader for twelve years now.  As a fine artist I particularly like to explore working with a range of media, such as clay, watercolours, photography and pastels.   I am also passionate about delivering current affairs and significant topics through Philosophy for Children. 

• Mr Mark Commane, BEd (Hons)

My background is in art, design, and engineering. After a period of working, I returned to education to complete a Bachelor of Education honours degree in Bristol. I have taught A' Level Design and most of the related GCSE courses over the years. With a family background in engineering, I enjoy teaching both practical and theory skills to the students of Orchard.

• Mrs Lesley Evans, BA (Hons), MA, PGCE

I graduated from Humberside Polytechnic with a degree in Fine Art and trained to be a teacher at De Montfort University in Leicester. I completed a Master's degree in educational research at the University of York.  I am passionate about growing knowledge and understanding of the histories of food and how skilful cooking with creativity and science help us make the world a better place!  I am a member of the Chartered College of Teaching and have achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers.

• Ms Shut Howell,  BA (Hons), PGATC

I graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Fine Art.  My 2^nd year was completed at Murray State University in Kentucky, USA.  I went on to complete a PGCE in Art and Design at the University of Wales, Cardiff.  My passion in art is for landscape painting and drawing using pen and ink.  I am also a moderator for GCSE Art and Design.

• Mr Nick Kimber, BA (Hons), PGCE

I have been a keen home cook for over 20 years and have 10 years’ experience working in the catering industry.  I have a joint honours degree from UWE in Business and Education Studies and a PGCE in Design Technology.  I became a food teacher because an appreciation of food, cookery and flavour makes life better!

• Mr Jack Staynings, BSc (Hons), PGCE

I graduated from the University of Worcester with a degree in Physical Education & Sport Studies. I continued at the same institute to complete a PGCE with IT as a second subject. I am a member of the Chartered College of Teaching. I have always had a keen interest in technology-enhanced learning, which has recently led to an opportunity to be TiLA Trust Leader in Digital Learning. I lead the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Orchard.

Curriculum Features 

Art - We encourage a process of experimentation with ideas and materials through varied and exciting projects which give all students the opportunity to experience Art in a meaningful way, with opportunity for individual interpretation and direction. Students learn sensitivity and control using tools and materials, how to refine and develop from initial ideas, to plan their time and resources and to assess and understand the visual impact of their work. At GCSE, students explore techniques and key skills in further depth, developing and improving their own abilities and understanding whilst having the opportunity to apply these skills within personal projects, delving into experimentation and refinement of their choices to create truly individual pieces. 

We teach AQA Art and Design GCSE, which allows students to investigate and explore a range of media and materials whilst developing their own creative ideas and artistic style. Students develop drawing and painting skills and explore new ways of creating art and sculpture whilst looking at the history of art and design through a wide range of designers, painters and craftspeople. 

Design Technology (DT) - through Key Stage 3 students understand the design process from identifying the gap, exploring and creating solutions, to evaluating and critiquing their outcomes. Hands on experience with a wide variety of materials helps them to understand the properties and uses so they can make informed decisions. In Key Stage 4 Graphic Design and Engineering we help students take a professional style brief and conduct in-depth research and exploration to find viable solutions. For GCSE we teach the AQA Graphics course through a digital format. This involves developing knowledge and skills in a broad range of communication graphics including interactive design (web, app and game), advertising and branding. We have invested in an Apple Mac suite and high quality laptops and have recently redesigned our curriculum so that students leave Orchard with the skills which would enable them to enter the digital sector pathway in the future.

Digital Media and IT - Our KS3 curriculum includes content relating to e-safety, Microsoft Office, Web Design & HTML, Photoshop and basic programming.