Art & 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 over time.

Projects are placed alongside other subjects where there are opportunities for meaningful connections. For example, Beautiful Botanicals is taught alongside the science project Plant Nutrition and Reproduction, allowing children to apply and deepen their understanding through creative work.

Where possible, projects using similar materials are spaced out to ensure effective use of resources. Seasonal considerations are also taken into account. For example, projects that involve outdoor work are planned for the latter part of the spring or summer term to maximise opportunities for first-hand experiences.

Across the curriculum, children develop their understanding of key artistic concepts such as colour, form, texture, pattern and composition, alongside building confidence in using a wide range of materials and techniques. Children are encouraged to experiment, explore and develop their own creative responses, as well as study the work of a diverse range of artists and cultures.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, each autumn term begins with essential skills and knowledge projects (Mixing Colours in Year 1 and Exploring Colours in Year 2). These projects introduce and revisit colour mixing and the colour wheel, giving children opportunities to explore primary and secondary colours and different hues.

In Year 1, children explore themes closely linked to themselves, including their facial features, the natural world and their local community. This supports early development of observational drawing and personal expression.

In Year 2, children broaden their experiences by studying a wider range of artists, artistic movements and creative techniques, developing greater confidence in drawing, painting and making.

Lower Key Stage 2

In Lower Key Stage 2, each autumn term begins with essential skills and knowledge projects (Colour Theory in Year 3 and Warm and Cool Colours in Year 4). These projects build on prior learning and develop children’s understanding of tertiary, analogous and complementary colours, as well as the use of warm and cool tones.

In Year 3, children expand their knowledge by studying a broader range of art forms, artists and genres. They begin to explore art from different historical periods, including prehistoric pottery and Roman mosaics, and develop more advanced techniques in printmaking, drawing, painting and textiles.

In Year 4, children refine and apply more specialised techniques across drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. They explore how art is influenced by different cultures and traditions, including medieval weaving and the religious significance of Islamic art.

Upper Key Stage 2

In Upper Key Stage 2, each autumn term begins with essential skills and knowledge projects (Colour in Landscapes in Year 5 and Colour and Style in Year 6). These projects deepen children’s understanding of colour through the study of tints, shades, tones and more complex colour palettes.

In Year 5, children combine and apply more advanced techniques across a range of genres, including drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. They continue to explore art from different cultures and historical periods, such as the ancient Chinese art form taotie and the Expressionist movement.

In Year 6, children work with increasing independence through projects such as Environmental Artists and Distortion and Abstraction. These projects encourage children to explore more conceptual ideas, including personal, environmental, social and political themes. Children also explore diversity in art through projects such as Inuit and Trailblazers, Barrier Breakers.