Curriculum Intent

As set out in the art national curriculum, we aim to ensure pupils :

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• know about great artists, craft-makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

We always endeavour to engage pupils in the arts by providing cross-curricular links to topics so that their learning is more meaningful, making links with their homes, the community and the wider world wherever possible. We want pupils to enjoy being creative and gain a sense of achievement when taking part in art activities. We display artwork in classrooms, the hall and corridors to create a sense of achievement. 

We wish to ensure that all pupils are given their entitlement to high-quality art experiences ; we believe that providing a breadth of arts education will broaden our pupils' experiences and allow them to express themselves through art.

We make links with the community. For example, some of our pupils have been working with the elderly at Wood Green (a care home), where they have carried out art and craft activities alongside artists, e.g. mobiles for the reception garden, fabric cushions and felting.

Curriculum Implementation

We have developed our own art scheme of work, which is carefully designed to build upon prior learning and ensure coverage of key knowledge and skills. Where appropriate, art projects are linked to other areas of the curriculum, allowing pupils to make meaningful connections with topics studied in subjects such as history, geography and science. This cross-curricular approach enriches learning, provides a meaningful context for artistic outcomes and helps children to develop a deeper understanding of both art and the wider curriculum. The art scheme incorporates a careful sequencing of skills and knowledge, ensuring pupils build confidence and creativity over time. We have a progression document, which highlights how skills and knowledge will be developed over time in the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture, 3D and sculpture, collage/textiles and printing. This shows progression from EYFS to year 6. For example, in early years, a skill might be, “Begin to explore and use a variety of drawing tools and media.” This would progress in year 6 to,“Using different grades of pencil and other implements to create lines, draw different shapes and forms and to produce variations in tone,” and, “Exploring ways in which surface detail can be added to drawings through applying different patterns and textures, including shading and hatching.”  Opportunities for experimentation, reflection, and evaluation enable children to develop their artistic techniques. 

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our art curriculum is seen in pupils’ growing confidence, creativity and skills as they progress through school. We want pupils to develop a secure understanding of the key disciplines of drawing, painting, sculpture, 3D art, collage/textiles and printing, building on prior learning year by year. We have art assessment documents, which are completed each term. The art co-ordinator can collate these, which allows them to get an overall view of skills in school. Our assessment proformas allow teachers to reflect on and understand students' current levels, identify areas requiring improvement, and alter teaching strategies and resources accordingly. This might include adjusting lesson content or providing targeted support or enrichment. Also, assessment data can reveal patterns in student learning, allowing teachers to review their own teaching practices and identify areas where the curriculum might need adjustment. Through regular opportunities to explore, experiment and evaluate their work, pupils are able to apply and refine their knowledge and skills with increasing independence. They can discuss their learning using appropriate artistic vocabulary, make links to the work of significant artists and cultures, and demonstrate pride in their achievements. Sketchbooks, finished pieces and pupil voice provide evidence of progression over time.

Supporting all learners

All children are supported in developing their skills. For SEND pupils, teachers model skills and teaching assistants support and model skills and techniques further. We have an extracurricular art club where pupils with a particular interest or talent in art can go to develop their skills. Children in upper key stage 2 are given the opportunity to be arts leaders. They learn new skills and go into classes throughout school to carry out art activities with other pupils. 

What your child will learn

Early years follow The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a statutory framework for children from birth to age five. In art and design, it focuses on encouraging children to explore, create and express their ideas through a variety of materials, tools and techniques. Children develop their imagination, creativity and fine motor skills through activities such as drawing, painting, modelling, printing and collage. They are encouraged to experiment, talk about their creations and develop confidence in making independent choices, providing the foundations for future learning in art and design.

All other year groups follow the schemes of work as outlined below.