As stated in the National Curriculum for Art and Design, our art curriculum sets out to ‘engage, inspire and challenge’ our pupils. Children are taught the knowledge, skills and techniques that enable them to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.

They are exposed to a range of art and design techniques, spanning genres and styles including culturally and ethnically diverse artwork and artists. Progression in skills and techniques is in-built and all children are given opportunities to confidently develop at their own pace as they express their ideas and experiences.

Pupils are encouraged to engage with and critique the art of others as well as their own and they are supported in using key art terms and language. We help children gain confidence with sharing their opinions about artwork, in school and in real world settings. Children learn about the role of art and creativity in our society and understand that art plays an important role in our history and the wealth of our nation.

How art is taught

Each child has a sketchbook that moves up through the year groups with them; an excellent way to see each child’s art journey from Year 1 – Year 6.

Each art scheme of work has one or more key artworks that the children discuss and learn about. As they move further up the school they use mind mapping and annotation to write about art. The key artworks include a range of genres, styles and culturally and ethnically diverse artwork and artists. The key artworks inspire the children’s practical work, through the concept, medium or subject matter.

All schemes of work include one or more skill such as; drawing, painting, collage, sculpture or printing. Progress in these skills is built in across all year groups and skills and media are often revisited as the children move up the school.

Children produce work in their sketchbooks where they explore and experiment with skills and techniques, develop and plan their ideas and respond to the work of other artists and crafts people. They produce outcomes that go on display around the school.

Opportunities for assessment varies as children are encouraged to regularly self, and peer assess their work. They are provided with verbal teacher feedback during their art lessons, which aids their progression against the skills and knowledge within the curriculum for each key stage. At the end of each project, there is opportunity for self-reflection in order to demonstrate what they have learnt.

What to expect in an art lesson 

• Children using art materials, techniques and skills OR discussing and sharing their opinions about art (theirs or others).
• Children reviewing and refining their work with self or peer assessment and teacher feedback.
• Children using their own ideas, experiences and research to create art.

• Children demonstrating their confidence, resilience and security by taking risks, problem solving and being curious.