Art

Art Curriculum Overview

In our classrooms, pupils are encouraged to think, behave, and create expressively. They study key artworks and explore techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, and collage. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that children develop the knowledge, vocabulary, and technical skills they need to experiment confidently and express their ideas with purpose. Sketchbooks are used across the school to record observations, practise techniques, and reflect on what has been learned.

Art lessons are lively, hands-on, and knowledge-rich. You will find children analysing the work of artists, mixing paint to capture mood and light, or constructing a sculpture inspired by historical or cultural study.

Across the school, pupils learn to talk thoughtfully about their work and the work of others, using the language of art to share opinions and make creative choices. By the time they leave us, children are confident, imaginative artists who appreciate art’s place in history and culture, and who take pride in expressing their individuality through their creative work.

 

Intent

Our Art and Design curriculum aims to give every child the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand and express themselves as artists. Through our curriculum, children learn about artists, architects, and designers from different times, places, and cultures, and connect this knowledge to their own creative work.

We intend to ignite a lifelong love of art by giving pupils meaningful opportunities for self-expression and creativity, while developing visual literacy – the ability to look carefully, think critically, and talk about what they see. Our curriculum fulfils and extends the National Curriculum requirements, helping children see how art shapes history, culture, and the world around them.

 

Implementation

Art and Design is taught as part of a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum, ensuring pupils gain a solid understanding of artistic techniques, concepts, and vocabulary as they move through school. Lessons focus both on knowing about art (artists, movements, and contexts) and knowing how to make art (through drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printing, photography, and textiles).

Adaptive Teaching

At St Marys, we believe that every child is an artist. Our art curriculum is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all pupils—regardless of ability, background, or additional needs—can fully participate, express themselves, and experience success. Lessons are carefully planned to be accessible and engaging for all learners, with appropriate scaffolding, adapted resources, and a range of practical approaches that enable every child to develop their creativity and confidence.

We celebrate individuality and value the diverse perspectives that children bring to their artwork. Pupils are supported to explore a wide variety of artists, cultures, and styles, helping them to see themselves reflected in the creative world while also broadening their understanding of others. High expectations, alongside thoughtful adaptation and challenge, ensure that all children can progress and achieve their personal best in art.

 

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have built a secure foundation of art knowledge and practical skill. They will be able to use artistic language confidently, talk about and evaluate the work of significant artists, and apply their understanding in their own creative practice.

Children leave primary school with the ability to think, behave, and create through an artistic prism — drawing upon knowledge of technique, history, and visual culture to express their own ideas. They take pride in their artwork and understand art’s importance in human experience and cultural heritage.

 

How you can help at home

• Encourage your child to be creative through drawing, painting, modelling, and collage using everyday materials.
• Provide opportunities for open-ended art activities where there is no “right” answer.
• Talk about artwork together, including books, online images, or visits to galleries and museums.
• Help develop observation skills by noticing colours, shapes, textures, and patterns in the world around you.
• Explore art in everyday life, such as packaging, nature, architecture, and clothing designs.
• Praise effort, creativity, and ideas rather than focusing only on the final outcome.
• Encourage your child to experiment and take risks with their artwork to build confidence and independence.
• Take advantage of London’s world-class museums and galleries to inspire creativity and broaden cultural understanding. Many are free to visit, including:
  • The British Museum – Free general admission
  • The National Gallery – Free general admission
  • Tate Modern – Free general admission
  • Tate Britain – Free general admission
  • Victoria and Albert Museum – Free general admission
  • Science Museum – Free general admission
  • Natural History Museum – Free general admission

Visiting these spaces can help children see original artworks, design, and artefacts, sparking ideas and deepening their enjoyment of art.