At Exmouth Community College, we believe that Art, Design and Technology (ADT) allows students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  

Our ambition is to inspire the artists, designers and innovators of tomorrow. We have high aspirations for all of our students and value the powerful contribution that ADT makes to personal development, future aspirations and life opportunities. 

Central to our approach are the four key pillars of: Creative thinking and problem solving/technical skill and material mastery/cultural, context and ethical awareness/real-world application and enrichment. 

Our curriculum inspires students to become creative problem-solvers who think independently and collaboratively, show resilience, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Students are encouraged to identify needs, wants and opportunities, and to respond by developing ideas, interpreting briefs and producing high-quality outcomes. 

The ADT curriculum is both challenging and engaging, embedding the core knowledge and transferable skills needed to create, take risks, analyse, evaluate and articulate ideas with confidence. A knowledge-rich approach underpins our teaching, enabling students to make informed decisions as they refine and realise their work. Through purposeful practical tasks, students learn to approach challenges with curiosity, imagination and determination. 

Students combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, function, sustainability and industrial practice. Across disciplines, they develop precision, control and craftsmanship while working with a wide range of materials and processes, including CAD/CAM, wood, plastics, textiles, food, paint, print, clay, pastel and chalk. 

Our sequenced curriculum ensures that technical knowledge and material understanding build progressively over time. Students gain confidence in using specialist tools and technologies safely and effectively, enabling them to translate creative ideas into successful outcomes. Mastery of materials empowers students to communicate their ideas with clarity and professionalism. 

Students critically reflect on the work of past and present artists, designers and innovators, developing visual literacy and an understanding of the cultural, historical and social contexts that shape creative practice. They research influential practitioners, explore contextual links and consider how design responds to human need. 

Learning is rooted in authentic contexts such as the world of work, community development, environmental sustainability and technological innovation. Students are encouraged to think ethically about their creative decisions, understanding the environmental and social impact of materials, production methods and design choices. Through this, they develop respect for diversity, sustainability and responsible innovation.