Intent

The intent of our art curriculum is to inspire creativity, curiosity, and self-expression in every child by providing them with opportunities to explore, understand, and engage with the arts. This curriculum is designed to foster confidence in artistic skills, cultivate an appreciation for diverse artistic traditions, and develop critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences in creating and responding to art. 

By engaging in a range of art forms - including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printing - pupils will gain foundational skills and an understanding of different techniques and materials. Through these practices, they will develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and an appreciation of aesthetics, while building resilience, patience, and an ability to express ideas visually. 

Curriculum

Please see curriculum documents for more detail, including EYFS.

Impact

Our art curriculum has a positive impact on children’s development, fostering not only creativity and self-expression but also a range of skills that are crucial for holistic growth. Through engagement in the arts, students develop their ability to think imaginatively, communicate visually, and appreciate diverse perspectives, laying the groundwork for well-rounded, culturally aware individuals.

In our curriculum, art education promotes confidence and emotional well-being. By encouraging students to explore ideas, express emotions, and take creative risks, the curriculum helps children build resilience, self-esteem, and a positive sense of self. Art serves as a safe space for personal exploration, enabling our pupils to process and communicate their feelings constructively.

Cognitively, art education sharpens critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, skills that are transferable across the curriculum. Through experimentation with materials, techniques, and ideas, students learn to observe closely, reflect thoughtfully, and develop patience and persistence. Studies consistently show that children engaged in the arts demonstrate improved focus, spatial awareness, and visual literacy—skills that enhance academic performance in subjects such as mathematics, science, and literacy.

In the long term, an effective primary art curriculum equips students with a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts, empowering them to be creative, thoughtful, and engaged members of society. By developing a foundation in art, children gain tools to enrich their lives, celebrate cultural diversity, and positively contribute to the world around them.