Art and Design

Through our Art and Design curriculum, we aim to inspire creativity, curiosity and self-expression while developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to create, appreciate and evaluate art. We want children to enjoy art, take creative risks and understand that there are no limits to what they can achieve. Through exposure to a wide range of artistic disciplines and creative careers, we encourage pupils to see art as a pathway to future opportunities and lifelong enjoyment.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children begin their artistic journey through the United Curriculum. They explore a variety of materials, experiment with colour, texture and form, and learn to express their ideas through creative play and investigation. These early experiences develop fine motor control, imagination and confidence, providing the foundations for future artistic learning.

From Years 1 to 6, we follow the Kapow Art and Design scheme of work, adapted to provide enhanced progression in drawing skills across the school. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils build knowledge and skills over time, developing increasing proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, collage, textiles and mixed media. Particular emphasis is placed on drawing as a fundamental artistic skill, enabling children to observe closely, record accurately and communicate ideas creatively.

We aim for pupils to become increasingly confident and skilled artists by revisiting and refining techniques throughout their primary years. Learning is structured so that children build upon prior knowledge, retrieve previously taught skills and apply them in new contexts. Through this progressive approach, pupils move from novice learners to increasingly independent and accomplished artists.

Our curriculum encourages children to think critically about art and design. They learn to observe, analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others using appropriate artistic vocabulary. We place great importance on developing subject-specific language so that children can discuss artistic techniques, styles and processes with confidence.

Children are introduced to a diverse range of artists, designers and craft makers from different cultures, historical periods and artistic traditions. Through these studies, pupils gain an understanding of how art reflects and shapes society, history and culture at local, national and global levels. Wherever possible, meaningful links are made across the curriculum to enrich learning and deepen understanding.

We believe that memorable creative experiences are essential in fostering a lifelong appreciation of the arts. Through high-quality teaching, opportunities to showcase work and exposure to a wide range of artistic influences, we aim to nurture creativity, resilience and self-belief. By the time they leave our school, pupils will have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to express themselves creatively, appreciate the work of others and understand the important role that art plays in shaping our world.