Art & Design

Our Art curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils:

• Develop knowledge and skills progressively across all phases of the school, with appropriate support and challenge for every learner.
• Revisit and build upon key artistic skills, techniques and concepts over time, enabling learning to deepen and become more secure.
• Generate, refine and evaluate their ideas, using sketchbooks to experiment, reflect and record their artistic journey.
• Gain a rich understanding of art, artists, designers and craftspeople from a range of periods, cultures and traditions.
• Experience art beyond the classroom through opportunities to work with visiting artists, engage with exhibitions and showcase their own work to authentic audiences.
• Develop confidence, creativity and resilience as artists, learning that art is a process of exploration, reflection and growth.

Through a rich range of opportunities, children develop the foundations for future learning in Art. They will:

• Explore a wide range of colours, textures, materials and techniques through daily creative experiences.
• Develop imagination and creativity by following their own interests and ideas.
• Select and use resources independently to create their own artwork.
• Learn to use tools safely and purposefully.
• Talk about what they are making and the choices they have made.
• Build confidence in expressing themselves through art and design.
• Develop the skills, knowledge and curiosity that provide a strong foundation for artistic learning throughout the school.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils build on the creativity, curiosity and practical skills developed in the Early Years. Art and Design is taught through carefully planned units that progressively develop knowledge, skills and artistic understanding.

• Study a different artist, designer or craftsperson each year, exploring their life, work, style and influence.
• Develop drawing, painting, printing, sculpture and mixed-media skills through a range of practical experiences.
• Use imagination and creativity to generate, develop and refine original ideas.
• Build confidence in selecting and using a variety of materials, tools and techniques.
• Learn how to create texture, pattern, tone and form using different artistic processes.
• Develop observational drawing skills and add increasing detail, accuracy and control to their work.
• Explore colour, texture, shape, line and dimension to communicate ideas and feelings.
• Use tools safely and effectively to carve, construct, sculpt and print.
• Reflect on and evaluate their work, using sketchbooks to record ideas, experiment and improve outcomes.