Art and Design

Rationale

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to think and work like artists. It is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6 so that pupils build increasing control, creativity and independence over time. Each unit is purposeful, with clearly defined skills, vocabulary and artist links that directly inform pupils’ practical outcomes.

Sketchbooks are central to learning in every unit. They are used as working documents where pupils can explore ideas, practise techniques, make mistakes, refine their thinking and revisit previous learning. This supports pupils in developing a reflective and iterative approach to their work, mirroring the working practices of real artists.

Vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout the curriculum. Key artistic language such as line, tone, texture, form, contrast and composition is embedded within lessons so that pupils can describe, analyse and evaluate artwork with increasing accuracy and confidence.

Evaluation is a consistent feature of teaching and learning. Pupils are regularly encouraged to reflect on their own work and respond to the work of others, developing their ability to articulate what is successful and what could be improved. This builds both critical thinking and resilience.

Each unit is underpinned by carefully selected artist study, which is directly linked to the techniques and outcomes being taught. Pupils learn not only about artists but also how their approaches, methods and intentions influence their own creative work. This ensures that artist study is meaningful, relevant and embedded within practical learning rather than taught in isolation.