Intent

Our Art curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, deepen cultural understanding, and develop technical skill across a wide range of artistic disciplines. We aim to provide an inclusive and ambitious curriculum that reflects the diversity of artistic expression across time and cultures.

We intend for pupils to:
- Explore a broad spectrum of global art, including African Art, Aboriginal Art, and Viking Art, to build cultural awareness and appreciation.
- Develop technical proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media.
- Investigate patterns and symbolism in both historical and contemporary contexts.
- Understand the role of art in society, from Vincent van Gogh’s emotional expression to the social commentary of Street Art.

Implementation

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in both skill and understanding. Each unit is designed to build on prior knowledge while introducing new techniques, media, and concepts.

Key elements of our implementation include:
- Hands-on exploration of materials and processes, such as creating dot paintings inspired by Aboriginal Art or textile patterns influenced by African design.
- Thematic projects like “Investigating Patterns”, where pupils explore symmetry, repetition, and cultural motifs through printmaking and collage.
- Historical and cultural studies, such as examining Viking Art through metalwork and knot designs, or analysing Van Gogh’s brushwork and colour theory in expressive self-portraits.
- Contemporary relevance through Street Art projects, where pupils study artists like Banksy and create their own stencilled or mural-style pieces to express personal or social messages.
- Enrichment through gallery visits, artist workshops, and cross-curricular links with history, geography, and PSHE.
 

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is seen in the confidence, creativity, and cultural literacy of our pupils. They leave us with a strong foundation in visual communication and a deep appreciation for the power of art.

Our pupils:
- Produce high-quality, original artwork that reflects both technical skill and personal voice.
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of global art traditions, confidently referencing artists and styles from across cultures and time periods.
- Engage critically with art, using vocabulary and visual analysis to articulate their ideas.
- Achieve strong outcomes in assessments and external qualifications, with many pursuing further study in the arts.
- Feel empowered to express themselves, with art often cited as a key outlet for wellbeing and identity.

Recent highlights include a Year 7 exhibition on “Patterns Around the World”, a Year 9 mural project inspired by Street Art and social justice, and a Year 5 mixed media study of Van Gogh’s landscapes, combining oil pastels and digital layering.