Art and Design
Purpose of Study
Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
INTENT
At our school, we believe that Art and Design is an essential part of every child's education. Through a broad, balanced and inspiring curriculum, we aim to nurture creativity, imagination and self-expression while developing confidence and resilience.
Our Art and Design curriculum enables pupils to:
- Develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques and processes.
- Build technical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, textiles and digital art.
- Learn about significant artists, designers, architects and craftspeople from different cultures, historical periods and backgrounds.
- Develop visual literacy by observing, analysing and evaluating works of art.
- Express their own ideas, opinions and emotions through artistic outcomes.
- Take pride in their work and understand that creativity develops through practice, reflection and perseverance.
By the time children leave our school, they will have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to continue their artistic journey and appreciate the value of art in the wider world.
IMPLEMENTATION
Our Art and Design curriculum is carefully planned to ensure progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary from Early Years through to Year 6, in line with the National Curriculum.
Children learn through engaging units that allow them to:
- Explore and investigate a variety of artistic media.
- Develop observational drawing and sketchbook skills.
- Experiment with colour, tone, texture, pattern, line and shape.
- Create both individual and collaborative pieces of artwork.
- Study the work of influential artists and use these as inspiration for their own creations.
- Reflect on and evaluate their work and that of others using appropriate artistic vocabulary.
Teaching includes:
- High-quality demonstrations and modelling by teachers.
- Opportunities for experimentation and independent creativity.
- Regular use of sketchbooks to record observations, ideas and artistic development.
- Cross-curricular links where appropriate, enriching learning across the curriculum.
- Exposure to local, national and international artists and artistic traditions.
- Opportunities to celebrate artwork through classroom displays, exhibitions and whole-school events.
Teachers use ongoing assessment to inform planning, provide feedback and ensure all pupils make progress. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring every child can achieve success and experience challenge.
IMPACT
The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is evident in the creativity, confidence and enthusiasm shown by our pupils.
Children leave each year group with:
- Secure knowledge of artistic techniques, materials and processes.
- Improved technical skills and increasing independence in applying them.
- Well-developed sketchbooks that demonstrate progression in ideas and techniques.
- The ability to discuss, evaluate and appreciate artwork using subject-specific vocabulary.
- An understanding of the work and influence of a diverse range of artists and designers.
- Confidence to take creative risks, solve problems and reflect upon their learning.
- Pride in producing high-quality artwork that showcases individual creativity.
The impact of our curriculum is measured through:
- Ongoing teacher assessment.
- Pupil voice and discussions about learning.
- Sketchbook progression across year groups.
- Finished pieces demonstrating increasing knowledge and skill.
- Monitoring of teaching and learning.
- Displays and celebrations of pupils' artistic achievements.
Ultimately, our pupils develop a lifelong appreciation of art, creativity and culture, recognising the important role that Art and Design plays in enriching their lives and helping them understand the world around them.
Click here for curriculum mapping.