At Abbey Park Primary School, our art and design curriculum inspires pupils to explore creativity, express ideas and develop confidence as artists and designers. Through engaging and meaningful experiences, children learn to observe the world around them, experiment with materials and communicate their thoughts, feelings and identities visually. The curriculum is supported by our curriculum drivers of sustainability and identity and equity, encouraging pupils to value diverse artistic traditions and understand the role of art in shaping communities and cultures.

What children learn

Our art and design curriculum is carefully planned to ensure pupils develop both practical artistic skills and a broad understanding of artistic traditions, techniques and designers from different times and cultures. Pupils explore a wide range of media and processes, enabling them to develop creativity, resilience and independence.

Across the school, learning is built around key recurring ideas such as:
• drawing, painting and sculpture
• colour, pattern, texture, line and shape
• creativity, experimentation and expression
• observation and visual communication
• evaluating and improving artistic work
• learning about artists, craftspeople and designers

These concepts are revisited across different topics and year groups so that pupils deepen their understanding and make connections in their learning over time.

Building skills over time

Art and design is taught in a carefully sequenced way from Early Years to Year 7, allowing pupils to build artistic knowledge and technical skills progressively.

• In Early Years, children begin exploring colour, texture, pattern and form through play, experimentation and creative expression.
• In Key Stage 1, pupils develop confidence using a range of materials and techniques while beginning to talk about their own work and the work of artists.
• In Key Stage 2, pupils refine their techniques, develop greater control and independence, and study a wider range of artists, styles and artistic movements.
• In Year 7, pupils build on their prior learning by developing more advanced observational, creative and evaluative skills, exploring increasingly sophisticated techniques and using sketchbooks to refine and communicate artistic ideas independently.

Throughout the curriculum, prior learning is regularly revisited so that pupils strengthen their understanding and apply skills with increasing confidence and creativity.

Thinking like an artist

In addition to developing practical skills, pupils are taught how to work as artists and designers. This includes:

• observing closely and recording ideas
• experimenting with materials and techniques
• developing and refining creative ideas
• taking inspiration from artists and designers
• evaluating and improving their own work
• expressing thoughts, feelings and experiences visually

These disciplinary skills are explicitly taught and developed across the school, enabling pupils to think creatively, take risks and develop their own artistic style and voice.

Language, vocabulary and communication

Developing artistic vocabulary is a key priority. Pupils are taught and encouraged to use subject-specific language such as tone, texture, composition, sculpture and perspective accurately in discussion and evaluation.

Opportunities for talk are built into lessons so that pupils can:
• explain their creative choices
• discuss artistic techniques and processes
• reflect on and evaluate artwork
• respond thoughtfully to the work of others

This supports both understanding and confidence across the curriculum.

Making connections

Where meaningful, art and design is linked to other subjects to deepen understanding. Pupils explore art through:

• studying artists and craftspeople from different cultures and periods
• responding creatively to themes explored in history, geography and literature
• exploring environmental art and sustainable materials
• celebrating identity, diversity and individual expression

This helps pupils understand how art reflects society, culture and human experience, while supporting the school’s commitment to sustainability and identity and equity.

Applying learning

Pupils are given regular opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills through:

• sketchbooks and design development
• collaborative and independent projects
• creating finished pieces using a range of media
• evaluating and refining their work
• exhibiting and celebrating artwork

This ensures pupils are not only learning artistic techniques, but are able to use their creativity to communicate ideas and express themselves confidently.

Assessment and progress

Assessment is ongoing and used to support learning. Teachers:

• observe pupils’ use of artistic techniques and processes
• assess how pupils develop and refine ideas
• evaluate pupils’ ability to discuss and reflect on artwork
• check understanding of artistic vocabulary and concepts

This ensures that learning is secure and that pupils continue to make progress in both skill and creativity.

What pupils achieve

By the end of Year 7, pupils at Abbey Park Primary School:

• use a range of artistic techniques with growing control and confidence
• understand and apply key elements of art and design
• talk knowledgeably about artists, craftspeople and designers
• develop, refine and evaluate creative ideas independently
• express themselves creatively and thoughtfully through visual media
• show curiosity, imagination and pride in their work

They leave school as confident, creative and reflective learners, ready for the next stage of their education.

Inclusion

Our art and design curriculum is designed so that all pupils can access and succeed. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all learners through:

• scaffolding and support where needed
• clear modelling and visual examples
• opportunities for creativity and personal expression
• appropriate challenge and encouragement for all abilities

This ensures every child can develop as an artist and designer, regardless of their starting point.