Art and Design at our School
Why we teach Art and Design
At our school, we believe Art and Design is essential for nurturing creativity, self-expression, and cultural understanding. It helps children develop confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills while appreciating the beauty and diversity of the world around them. Through art, pupils learn to communicate ideas visually and develop critical thinking, which supports learning across the curriculum. Our aim is to inspire every child to see themselves as an artist and to value creativity as a lifelong skill.
How we teach Art and Design
Art and Design is taught progressively from Early Years through Key Stage 2, following the National Curriculum. Lessons include drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, with opportunities to explore famous artists and diverse artistic traditions. We use a skills-based approach, revisiting techniques and building complexity over time. Children experiment with materials, learn to evaluate their own work and others’, and develop technical vocabulary. Cross-curricular links enrich learning—for example, using art to explore history or science topics. We also celebrate creativity through displays, exhibitions, and community projects.
What we hope children will achieve
- Have a secure understanding of key artistic skills and techniques.
- Be able to express ideas confidently through a range of media.
- Appreciate art from different cultures and historical periods.
- Demonstrate resilience and creativity in solving problems.
- Take pride in their work and understand that art is a powerful form of communication.
Ultimately, we want every child to leave us with a love of art, the confidence to create, and the ability to see the world through an imaginative lens.
