When the Academy opened, we chose as our specialism, Design and the Built Environment. We believe that Design and the Built Environment is a modern, relevant and exciting specialism.
Excellent facilities in the Design Technology and Art departments enable students to excel in design subjects including Art, Technology, Food, Textiles and Photography. Students are challenged by curriculum projects in Architecture and Civil Engineering.
However, our specialism stretches much further than what is to be found in Art and Design Technology. 
Conservation, social justice, environmental sustainability, not to mention the practical design and aesthetic appearance of the buildings we live and work in, affect us all. Out of these subjects come opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and skills as active young citizens, both at the Academy and in the wider communities to which they belong.
However, we must emphasise that the specialism enhances, rather than dominates our broad and balanced curriculum.