Art and Design at KWPS
Subject Leader: Miss K Cartmell
What Art Looks Like at KWPS
EYFS
In the Early Years, Art is taught through exploration, play and continuous provision as part of Expressive Arts and Design. Children experiment with a range of materials and tools, developing fine motor skills and creativity. They explore colour, texture, shape and form, and begin to represent their ideas through drawing, painting, collage and model making.
KS1 & KS2
Art is taught through structured units which are carefully sequenced and linked to History and Geography topics. Each unit develops skills progressively across drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, collage, digital art and photography. Pupils explore the work of artists and use this to inspire their own creations.
Enrichment
Art is enriched through themed days, cross-curricular projects, displays and opportunities to explore a wide range of materials and techniques.
Assemblies:
Assemblies celebrate creativity and support pupils’ understanding of artists, culture and visual expression.
Cross-curricular links:
Art is closely linked with History and Geography, allowing pupils to explore art within meaningful cultural and historical contexts.
Inclusive practice
All pupils access the Art curriculum. Learning is adapted through scaffolding, modelling, visual support and adult guidance to ensure all pupils can succeed creatively.
The Intent of our Art and Design Curriculum
At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, we aim to inspire children through high-quality Art lessons, fostering innovative thinking and creative skills.
Our Art curriculum provides children with opportunities to develop their skills using a wide range of media and materials.
Children develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, collage, digital art and photography. They explore, evaluate and refine creative ideas, developing confidence and independence as artists.
Children are introduced to a wide range of artists, styles and techniques, building knowledge of artistic vocabulary and cultural understanding. Artwork is purposeful, whether as a means of expression or as a response to the work of others.
Children are encouraged to reflect on their work, evaluate outcomes and identify ways to improve. They are supported to take risks, experiment and develop their own artistic style.
The Implementation of our Art and Design Curriculum
Our Art curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is carefully sequenced to ensure progression of skills, knowledge and understanding across all year groups.
Art is taught through curriculum links, particularly with History and Geography units, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections between art, culture and historical context.
Each unit follows a clear creative process where pupils explore ideas, develop skills, create outcomes and evaluate their work.
Children build skills progressively across each year group, revisiting and refining techniques over time. They develop knowledge across drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printing, photography and digital art.
Artists are a key focus across the whole school. Each half term, a significant artist and artwork is introduced and displayed in every classroom. Teachers share information about the artist and artwork, allowing pupils to revisit and build on prior knowledge each year.
Every Art unit begins with a focused study of an artist linked to the topic being taught. This allows pupils to explore styles, techniques and cultural contexts before applying this knowledge within their own work.
Through revisiting artists and linking them to practical outcomes, pupils develop a secure understanding of artistic styles and cultural significance, building long-term memory and cultural capital.
Key artistic vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit, enabling pupils to describe, analyse and evaluate artwork using appropriate language.
The Impact of our Art and Design Curriculum
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at KWPS will:
✔ Develop a wide range of artistic skills and techniques
✔ Use a variety of materials confidently and effectively
✔ Understand and discuss the work of artists and their cultural significance
✔ Reflect on, evaluate and improve their work
✔ Express ideas creatively and imaginatively
Our pupils leave KWPS as confident, reflective and creative individuals with a strong understanding of art and design.
National Curriculum Aims for Art and Design
The National Curriculum for Art aims to ensure that pupils:
- produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
- become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms
- evaluate and analyse creative works using artistic language
- know about great artists, craft makers and designers
These aims are embedded across our curriculum.
Assessment
Assessment in Art is used to monitor pupil progress and inform teaching.
Teachers use ongoing formative assessment through observation, discussion and evaluation of pupils’ work to identify next steps.
Progress is monitored through:
- sketchbooks
- finished pieces
- pupil discussion
- teacher assessment
Assessment focuses on the development of skills, creativity, knowledge of artists and the ability to evaluate and refine work.
What is taught in each year group
Our Art curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring progression in knowledge and skills over time.
Please see our Art Curriculum Overview below for full details of what is taught in each year group.
Progression of Skills
Children develop their skills progressively across the following areas:
Drawing
Pupils develop control of line, tone and texture, progressing from simple mark making to detailed observational drawing and the use of shading, perspective and movement.
Painting
Pupils learn to mix colours, create tints and tones, and use a range of techniques to create mood, texture and depth.
Sculpture
Pupils explore form and structure using a variety of materials, progressing from simple models to more complex and purposeful 3D work.
Collage
Pupils develop skills in combining materials, textures and patterns to create purposeful and expressive outcomes.
Printing
Pupils explore pattern, repetition and layering techniques, progressing to more precise and detailed printmaking.
Photography and Digital Art
Pupils learn to capture, edit and present images, developing control over composition and digital tools.
Evaluating and Developing Work
Pupils learn to reflect on and evaluate their work, using artistic vocabulary to describe, analyse and improve outcomes.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Our Art curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate and succeed.
We meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND regulations by:
- adapting teaching to meet individual needs
- using scaffolding and visual support
- providing targeted support
- maintaining high expectations for all learners
Find Out More
If you would like more information about the Art curriculum, please contact:
Miss K Cartmell – Art Subject Leader
Enquiries can be made via the school office