Art & Design

Our intent in Art and Design is to ensure all pupils produce creative and imaginative work. Children have the opportunity to explore ideas and record experiences, as well as exploring the work of others and evaluating different creative ideas. They will be inspired and motivated through the learning of key artists and techniques allowing them to become independent artists. The focus is on developing proficiency in drawing, painting, understanding colour, shade and sculpture with the overall aim of developing a rigorous understanding, critical awareness and inspiration of art and design. Children will become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques and will develop their interest and curiosity about art and design through series of lessons that offer: skills progression, knowledge progression and also offer children the opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate their skills in a variety of ways.

Through the Access Art Scheme we have chosen, each key stage focuses on different themes to ensure continued interest in the subject as well as acquiring new knowledge. The lessons develop children’s techniques, including control and use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design. As children progress through the school, they have multiple opportunities to develop skills and embed them into their long-term memory. Children will realise how art and design both reflect and shape our history and also contribute to our culture.

We aim for all children to acquire the ability to implement the following fundamental characteristics of artists and designers:  

  • The ability to use visual language skilfully and convincingly (for example, line, shape, patter, colour, texture, form) to express emotions, interpret observations, convey insights and accentuate their individuality.   

  • The ability to communicate fluently in visual and tactile form.   

  • The ability to draw confidently and adventurously from observation, memory and imagination.  

  • The ability to explore and invent marks, develop and deconstruct ideas and communicate perceptively and powerfully through purposeful drawing in 2D, 3D or digital media.   

  • An impressive knowledge and understanding of other artists, craft makers and designers.  

  • The ability to think and act like creative practitioners by using their knowledge and understanding to inform, inspire and interpret ideas, observations and feelings.   

  • Independence, initiative and originality which they can use to develop their creativity.   

  • The ability to select and use materials, processes and techniques skilfully and inventively to realise intentions and capitalise on the unexpected.   

  • The ability to reflect on, analyse and critically evaluate their own work and that of others.  

  • A passion for and a commitment to the subject.   

Curriculum Content & Planning