Art & Design

Intent Statement

By the time our pupils leave Year 6, they will be confident and creative artists who can draw, paint, sculpt and create using a range of materials and techniques. They will develop skills in line, tone, colour, texture and form, producing both 2D and 3D work with increasing control and creativity.

Pupils will evaluate and analyse artwork using subject-specific vocabulary and study artists from different cultures and periods. By the end of Year 6, our pupils will see themselves as artists—equipped to express themselves creatively and appreciate art in the wider world.

Policy

The policy for this subject can be found on our main policy section of the website.

National Curriculum

National Curriculum_2014_Final

Useful Websites

Content coming.

Subject Progression Document

How can I help my child in this subject?

Art and Design helps children develop creativity, imagination, confidence and practical skills. Through art, children explore different materials, learn about artists and designers, and express their own ideas and feelings. Families can support children by encouraging creativity and valuing the process of making as much as the finished piece.

Helping children in the Infants (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

At this stage, children are learning to explore materials, develop control and express their ideas through art.

You can help your child by:

  • Providing opportunities to draw, paint, cut, stick and build at home.

  • Encouraging them to talk about what they are making and why.

  • Exploring different materials together such as crayons, chalk, paint, paper, fabric or natural objects.

  • Supporting your child to develop fine motor skills through colouring, cutting and modelling.

  • Looking closely at patterns, colours and textures in the world around you.

  • Visiting galleries, parks or local spaces where they can notice sculptures, buildings or artwork.

  • Talking about art they see in books and asking:

    • What do you notice?

    • What do you like?

  • Celebrating effort and creativity rather than focusing only on the final result.

At this stage, children benefit from exploring materials freely and building confidence in expressing themselves.

Helping children in the Lower Juniors (Year 3 and Year 4)

At this stage, children begin to develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and design, and learn about a range of artists and styles.

You can help your child by:

  • Encouraging regular opportunities for sketching and drawing at home.

  • Talking about how artists use colour, pattern, shape and texture.

  • Visiting museums, galleries or exhibitions where possible.

  • Looking at artwork together in books or online and discussing what they notice.

  • Supporting your child to try new materials and techniques, such as collage, printing or modelling.

  • Encouraging them to keep practising and improving their work over time.

  • Talking about how art can express ideas, feelings and experiences.

At this stage, children are learning to develop their skills and think more carefully about how artists create their work.

Helping children in the Upper Juniors (Year 5 and Year 6)

At this stage, children begin to refine their techniques, develop their own artistic style and evaluate their work and the work of others.

You can help your child by:

  • Encouraging them to keep a sketchbook for drawing ideas and practising techniques.

  • Talking about the work of different artists, designers and craftspeople and how their styles are similar or different.

  • Supporting them to experiment with different materials and approaches, even if things do not go as planned at first.

  • Encouraging them to reflect on their work by asking:

    • What worked well?

    • What might you change next time?

  • Visiting galleries, exhibitions or historic buildings where possible.

  • Talking about how art and design are used in everyday life, such as architecture, fashion, illustration and product design.

At this stage, children are developing confidence in making creative choices and explaining their ideas.

Supporting your child to enjoy Art and Design at any age

You can support art learning by:

  • making time for drawing and creative activities at home

  • encouraging creativity using everyday materials

  • visiting galleries, exhibitions or creative spaces

  • noticing art, design and architecture in your local area

  • celebrating effort, imagination and originality

  • displaying your child’s artwork at home

The most important thing you can do is help your child feel that their ideas are valued and creativity is something everyone can enjoy and develop.