Art, Design & Technology - Chandlings Independent Prep School - Oxford

We believe that creativity is a fundamental aspect of a child’s development.

Our Art, Design & Technology programme is designed to nurture imagination, develop practical skills, and encourage innovative thinking. We provide a rich and diverse curriculum that allows children to explore, experiment, and express themselves in unique ways.

Art

Our art department provides a nurturing environment where children’s creativity can flourish. Guided by specialist teachers, students embark on a journey of artistic discovery, developing their skills and confidence along the way.

From the earliest years, children are introduced to a wide range of artistic materials, tools, and techniques.

They learn to express their ideas visually, experimenting with different mediums and styles. As they progress, they develop a deeper understanding of drawing techniques, colour theory, and composition.

Our curriculum encourages children to explore art from different eras and cultures, fostering critical awareness and appreciation for diverse artistic expressions.

By studying both contemporary and historical artists, children learn to respond critically and creatively to different artistic styles, often linking their studies to their interests and topics in other subjects. We instil a sense of pride in every piece of work, showcasing achievements through displays and exhibitions, fostering confidence and a lifelong passion for the arts.

Design Technology

Design Technology at Chandlings is all about creative problem-solving.

Children learn to work independently and as part of a team, developing skills that are valuable far beyond the workshop.

They’re encouraged to evaluate their own work and the work of others critically, fostering an environment of constructive feedback and continuous improvement.

From hand tools to laser cutters and 3D printers, our young children have access to a range of equipment that brings their ideas to life in wood, metal, and plastic.

Our curriculum is designed to build skills progressively. Through a series of projects in Years 3, 4, and 5, children develop a strong foundation in design principles and practical skills. In Year 6, they apply these skills to pupil-led Young Enterprise projects, showcasing their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

We celebrate our students’ achievements by entering their brilliant work into national competitions and displaying examples around the school. For those keen to explore further, our co-curricular clubs offer extended learning opportunities in areas like Furniture Making and 3D Printing.

Food Technology

Our Food Technology programme is an exciting journey which starts in Year 3 as a specialist subject and continues through to Year 6. It’s a hands-on course that combines practical cooking skills with an understanding of nutrition and food origins.

We believe that cooking is an essential life skill, and our Food Technology classes are designed to equip children with knowledge about food, nutrition, and health.

They learn about food safety and are encouraged to make healthy choices. In our kitchen, children create a wide variety of dishes, including international cuisines, using different techniques to produce high-quality products.

From homemade breads and delicious salads to cakes and fresh pasta, our young chefs explore a world of flavours and textures.

Learning extends beyond the kitchen, with themed projects that bring history and culture to life. A highlight for our Year 3 students is preparing and hosting a Roman feast, complete with honey cake, flatbreads, and olives.

We encourage children to reflect on their culinary creations, discussing what they like and how recipes could be improved. This fosters critical thinking and creativity in the kitchen. Most importantly, we ensure that children enjoy the process of making food and are open to trying new flavours and dishes they may not have experienced before.