Art
Art Curriculum Overview
Art and design overview
The art and design projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s
skills and knowledge of visual elements, art forms, artists and art movements.
Projects are placed alongside other subject projects where there are opportunities for making meaningful
connections. For example, Beautiful Botanicals has been placed in the same teaching sequence as the science
project Plants.
Where possible, projects with similar materials are spaced out to have as little strain on resources as possible.
For example, in Key Stage 1, clay work is taught in different terms.
Seasons are also a consideration for the placement of art and design projects. For example, if children are
required to work outdoors, these projects have been placed in either the latter part of the spring or summer
term.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, each autumn term begins with the colour project Mix It. The teaching of this project in Years 1
and 2 enables children to be introduced to and then revisit colour theory and provides plentiful opportunities
for children to explore primary and secondary colours.
Year 1 begins by exploring themes directly related to the children themselves, such as their facial features, the
surrounding natural world and their local community. In Year 2, the projects expand children’s artistic horizons
to study a more comprehensive range of artists, artistic movements and creative techniques.
Lower Key Stage 2
In Lower Key Stage 2, each autumn term begins with the colour project Contrast and Complement. In Years
3 and 4, the teaching of this project enables children to build on their previous understanding of colour and
further develop their expertise by studying theory.
In Year 3, children expand their experiences to study a broader range of art forms, artists and genres. They
also begin to study art from specific and diverse periods of history, including prehistoric pottery and Roman
mosaics. Other genres studied in Year 3 build on previous techniques learned in Key Stage 1 and include more
complex techniques in printmaking, drawing, painting and textiles.
In Year 4, children develop more specialised techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. They
explore ways in which ancient cultures have influenced art and crafts by studying, for example, medieval
weaving techniques and the religious significance of Islamic art.
Upper Key Stage 2
In Upper Key Stage 2, each autumn term begins with the colour project Tints, Tones and Shades. Teaching
these projects in Years 5 and 6 enables children to build on their previous understanding of colour theory and
develop further expertise with colour by studying tonal variations and more complex colour charts.
In Year 5, children develop and combine more complex artistic techniques in a range of genres, including
drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Children continue to build on their understanding of other historical periods and cultures by studying the ancient Chinese art form of taotie and the significance of the
Expressionist movement.
In Year 6, children are encouraged to work more independently in projects like Environmental Artists and
Distortion and Abstraction. Such projects require them to consider more conceptual representations of personal,
environmental, social or political messaging. Children explore diversity in art by studying the projects Inuit and
Trailblazers, Barrier Breakers.
Throughout the art and design scheme, there is complete coverage of all national curriculum programmes
of study.
Through our art curriculum we intend to ensure all pupils produce creative, imaginative work. Children have the opportunity to explore their ideas and record their experiences, as well as learning about the work of famous artists, designers and craft makers. We intend for the children to become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting, as well as other selected craft skills, e.g. collage, printing, and pattern making. We intend our curriculum to offer the chance for children to develop their emotional expression through art to further enhance their personal, social and emotional development.
Golden Threads
Spirituality – recognise how artists and cultures have represented their spirituality through the art that they create. Offer opportunities to create pieces to express and explore who we are.
Diversity – Explore art from different cultures and times appreciating that art is for everyone to create and enjoy. Understand that we can understand and value other cultures through the art they produce.
Ambition – For the children to value the work they create as an expression of who they are and take pride in it.