Headlines
At APSoL, we believe that Art is a vital part of a rich and broad curriculum, enabling children to express themselves, explore ideas and make meaning of the world. Our Art curriculum offers pupils a purposeful and progressive journey that balances exploration, experimentation, and high-quality modelling. Rooted in our local context, projects often reflect community identity while also broadening horizons through the study of a diverse range of artists and artistic traditions from across the world, particularly from Lusophone countries.
Children develop historical and cultural awareness, gain visual literacy, and build their cultural capital through engaging with artists, designers and craftspeople from both contemporary and historical periods. By celebrating creativity and individuality, we foster young artists who can see themselves reflected in the wider artistic world.
Intent
Our intent is to develop pupils’ confidence, creativity and critical thinking through Art. Using the Kapow Primary Art & Design curriculum, we provide children with both substantive knowledge (the key facts, concepts and techniques within Art) and disciplinary knowledge (the ability to think, work and talk like an artist).
By the end of primary school, pupils will:
- Develop technical proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture and a range of media.
- Use sketchbooks to explore, experiment, and refine ideas, creating a visible journey of skill progression and creative risk-taking.
- Understand and apply key concepts such as line, shape, form, colour, pattern, texture, and perspective.
- Reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others, using subject-specific vocabulary with increasing fluency.
- Appreciate and take inspiration from a diverse range of artists, makers, and designers, embedding historical and cultural knowledge alongside creative practice.
Implementation
At APSoL, Art is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum, ensuring progression of knowledge and skills across year groups. Each unit builds upon prior learning and connects to wider curriculum themes where appropriate.
- EYFS: Art is practical, playful, and inclusive. Through continuous provision, exploration of media, and guided sessions, children develop early creative skills, curiosity and confidence. There is a combination of adult-led and child-led sessions with a wealth of continuous provision opportunities when adults scaffold learning through skilful interactions and questioning.
- KS1: Pupils explore a wide range of materials and techniques including pencil, paint, collage and print. They develop fundamental concepts such as line, shape and colour, while being inspired by the work of significant artists and local creative figures.
- KS2: Children refine their skills and experiment with more complex techniques, such as perspective, composition and mixed media. They undertake in-depth studies of significant artists, craftspeople and movements, linking their work to historical and cultural contexts.
Throughout the school, the use of sketchbooks is embedded to encourage experimentation, reflection, and self-expression. Lessons explicitly model artistic processes while encouraging independence and originality. Opportunities for peer feedback and critique develop children’s evaluative skills, supported by rich and purposeful vocabulary.
Many projects are linked to real-world purposes and experiences, culminating in exhibitions and displays that celebrate ambition and originality.
Impact
The impact of our Art curriculum is seen in pupils’ sketchbooks, finished work, and their ability to talk confidently about their artistic journey. Progress is measured through:
- Ongoing teacher observation and dialogue.
- Review of sketchbooks to capture experimentation, progression and reflection.
- Opportunities for self and peer evaluation.
- Participation in class galleries and exhibitions.
By following the Kapow curriculum, we ensure progression and consistency across year groups. Our ambition is for every child, including those with SEND, to access and enjoy the full Art curriculum through carefully planned differentiation, adapted resources, and supportive environments.
Ultimately, Art at APSoL provides inclusive, aspirational and empowering experiences that foster creativity, independence and cultural understanding, nurturing confident young artists who create with purpose and imagination.
Enrichment
In addition to our art curriculum, enrichment events are an essential part to our art provision and cultural growth. Through these events, the children celebrate the various cultures of the school, our achievements and teamwork. These include:
Visits to art galleries
Art workshops at school
Carnival
Showcases for parents every term
Festa Junina (June festival)
Talent show
School displays
Home-learning projects