Art & Design
Empowering young artists to create with purpose, explore with ambition, reflect with depth and see themselves in the world of art.
Intent
At our school, we believe Art and Design enables children to express themselves creatively, develop confidence and engage with the world around them. Through an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, we aim to inspire curiosity, imagination and a lifelong appreciation of art.
Children will:
· Develop skills in drawing, painting and mixed media, sculpture and 3D, and craft and design.
· Use sketchbooks to explore ideas, record observations, experiment with techniques and reflect on their learning.
· Learn about and be inspired by artists, designers and craftspeople from a range of cultures, backgrounds and historical periods.
· Build resilience, creativity and confidence through self-expression.
· Develop the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum, becoming proficient in a range of artistic techniques while learning to evaluate and discuss artwork.
Implementation
Art and Design is taught through the Kapow Primary Art and Design Scheme, which we have chosen because it closely reflects our school's pedagogical approach and curriculum vision. Like our wider curriculum, Kapow follows a progressive, spiral approach, enabling pupils to revisit and build upon key artistic knowledge, skills and techniques over time. This supports our commitment to helping children make meaningful connections between new and prior learning, deepening understanding and developing long-term retention.
We have chosen Kapow because it promotes creativity, curiosity and independent thinking through engaging, practical learning experiences. Pupils are encouraged to explore, experiment, reflect and refine their work, developing confidence as artists while learning to express their ideas and respond thoughtfully to the work of others.
We have also chosen Kapow because its carefully sequenced curriculum develops both subject knowledge and artistic skills progressively. Through regular opportunities to investigate, discuss and evaluate art, pupils become increasingly reflective learners who can apply their knowledge creatively and with growing independence
Our curriculum is organised around four key areas:
· Drawing
· Painting and Mixed Media
· Sculpture and 3D
· Craft and Design
A strong emphasis is placed on sketchbook use, enabling pupils to generate ideas, experiment, refine techniques and evaluate their work. Children revisit and build upon key skills progressively, developing their understanding of artistic techniques, formal elements and influential artists from a range of backgrounds.
Impact
Children leave our school as confident, creative and reflective artists who enjoy expressing themselves through a range of media.
They:
· Demonstrate progression in artistic knowledge and skills.
· Use sketchbooks effectively to develop and improve their work.
· Discuss and evaluate artwork using appropriate artistic vocabulary.
· Show an appreciation of artists and artistic traditions from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
· Produce creative, high-quality work that reflects their individuality and growing technical expertise.
Ultimately, our pupils develop the confidence, skills and creativity to engage with and contribute to the visual world around them.
