“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Intent
Our vision is to give every pupil a rich and balanced experience of art, encouraging them to develop both their practical techniques and their artistic understanding. We intend for our children to explore chromatic (colour-based) art, monochromatic drawing, and sculpture, so that they build confidence in a variety of artistic modes through a structured approach. Through this, they learn to express their ideas, record their experiences, and critically appreciate different styles, cultures, and historical contexts.
Implementation
In EYFS, children:
- explore tools, materials and technique through play
- begin to create with purpose
- talk about what they have created
- develop early technical vocabulary
In KS1 and KS2 we deliver art lessons in a structured, progressive way based on the Grammarsaurus three‑domain model
- Practical knowledge: Skills with tools, materials, and techniques (such as mixing paint, drawing with tone, manipulating clay)
- Theoretical knowledge: Understanding of artistic concepts (such as colour theory, composition, form, texture, and pattern)
- Disciplinary knowledge: Knowledge about artists, cultural contexts, and how to think and work like an artist (making creative decisions, evaluating work, and refining ideas)
Our art units are organised around three recurring themes: Chromatic, Monochromatic, and Sculpture. Over the years, pupils revisit each theme in a spiral curriculum.
- In chromatic units, children learn about colour theory, mixing, and expressive use of paint.
- In monochromatic units, pupils practise drawing with a focus on tone, line, shape, and value. They often explore pattern, texture, and form through pencil, pen, and collage.
- In sculpture units, children use clay to build three-dimensional forms, learning how to manipulate materials, understand form, and connect their work to the practice of real artists, craft makers, and designers.
- We also integrate opportunities for reflection and critical evaluation, helping children to use the language of art, craft, and design to analyse their own and others’ work.
Skills & Vocabulary Progression
- We use the Grammarsaurus Art Skills Progression to ensure knowledge and skills are built and reinforced systematically across year groups.
- Children are taught technical vocabulary explicitly, supported by the Grammarsaurus Vocabulary Progression, enabling them to talk with increasing confidence and accuracy.
- Key terminology is revisited frequently so children can describe skills, understanding and knowledge clearly
Impact
As a result of our art curriculum, students become more skilled, confident, and imaginative artists. They can use colour expressively, draw with sensitivity to tone and form, and create their own three‑dimensional artworks. By exploring different themes and revisiting them in increasing depth, children develop a strong foundation of practical techniques, conceptual understanding, and a mature artistic vocabulary. Our pupils also learn to evaluate art meaningfully and can articulate how their work connects to the work of other artists. Pupils take pride in their creative achievements.
Curriculum Overview
You can find details of what Art & Design looks like across an academic year: CLICK HERE
