Art and Design Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School, we believe that art and design is a vital part of a rich and balanced curriculum, enabling learners to develop creativity, imagination and the ability to express themselves confidently. We value the arts as a powerful means of communication and personal expression for all learners, regardless of background, ability, faith or experience.

As Pablo Picasso stated, “The important thing is to create.” This principle underpins our vision for art and design: to inspire learners to become creative thinkers, confident experimenters and reflective artists.

Our art and design curriculum is designed to ensure that all learners:

• Produce creative work that explores ideas and records experiences.
• Develop proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
• Experiment with a wide range of materials, tools and techniques.
• Develop the ability to evaluate and analyse creative works using appropriate artistic vocabulary.
• Gain knowledge of great artists, craft makers and designers from a range of cultures and historical periods.
• Understand how art reflects and shapes culture, history and society.

We aim for learners to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. As they progress through school, learners build a secure understanding of artistic techniques and processes and develop the ability to think critically and reflect on their own and others’ work.

Art and design also supports learners’ personal development, enabling them to express emotion, ideas and identity while developing resilience, confidence and individuality.

Implementation

The Art and Design curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced in line with the National Curriculum (2014), ensuring clear progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary across all year groups.

Teaching is structured to develop mastery in key artistic disciplines, including:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Textiles and mixed media
• 3D form and construction

Learners are taught to explore, refine and develop their skills over time, building confidence and control in the use of different materials and techniques.

Teaching and Learning Approach

Learners are provided with opportunities to:

• Explore and experiment with a wide range of media and materials.
• Develop technical skills in line, tone, texture, colour, form and composition.
• Use sketchbooks to record ideas, practise techniques and reflect on learning.
• Respond to and be inspired by a range of artists, designers and craft makers.
• Develop and apply artistic vocabulary when discussing and evaluating artwork.

High-quality teaching ensures that learners are introduced to both historical and contemporary artists, helping them understand different styles, movements and cultural influences.

Art learning is often linked to wider curriculum areas to deepen understanding and enrich learning experiences. For example:

• Historical drawing to support understanding of historical events.
• Landscape art linked to geographical knowledge.
• Observational drawing linked to science and nature.
• Creative expression linked to emotional and personal development.

Learners are encouraged to see art as a purposeful form of communication, whether used to express ideas, explore techniques or respond to the work of others.

The curriculum promotes independence, creativity and resilience, allowing learners to refine their work and make purposeful artistic decisions.

Impact

The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is reflected in learners’ creativity, confidence and ability to express themselves visually and critically.

As learners progress through school, they develop increasing control, technical skill and artistic understanding. They become reflective and thoughtful artists who can evaluate and improve their own work.

By the end of Key Stage 2, learners will:

• Produce creative and imaginative work using a range of materials and techniques.
• Demonstrate increasing proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture and design.
• Use sketchbooks effectively to develop and refine ideas.
• Evaluate and analyse artwork using appropriate artistic vocabulary.
• Understand the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers.
• Recognise how art reflects culture, history and society.
• Show confidence in expressing ideas, emotions and observations through art.

Learners leave Healey with a secure foundation in artistic knowledge and skills, a developing appreciation of the arts, and the confidence to continue exploring creativity beyond primary school.

The impact of the curriculum is monitored through sketchbook evidence, outcomes of practical work, pupil voice, curriculum review and ongoing assessment of skills progression.

Art in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Art and Design is delivered through the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning.

Learners are provided with opportunities to explore, experiment and create using a wide range of materials and resources through both child-initiated and adult-led activities.

They are encouraged to:

• Explore the textures, movement, feel and appearance of different materials.
• Respond creatively to a variety of media and resources.
• Use materials to express their own ideas and experiences.
• Explore colour, shape and form for different purposes.
• Develop early skills in using simple tools and techniques.
• Select and combine materials creatively to achieve a desired effect.
• Adapt and refine their work as they develop ideas.

Through these experiences, learners develop imagination, curiosity and confidence in expressing themselves creatively. They are supported by skilled adults who model language, introduce techniques and encourage reflection and discussion.

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, learners have developed strong foundations in creativity, exploration and self-expression, preparing them for the structured development of skills in Key Stage 1 Art and Design.

The Lead Teacher for Art is Miss Patel.