Art

Subject Lead – Jack Lewis

Art & Design Progression Map

Art and Design

Our intent is to provide every child with the opportunity to express themselves creatively while developing a deep appreciation for the visual arts.
From the first marks made in the Early Years to the more complex mixed-media pieces in Year 6, our curriculum is designed to build confidence, technical proficiency, and an understanding of art history. We aim to empower children to use art as a medium to observe, explore, communicate ideas, and share emotions. 

Curriculum Implementation

Our Art curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum and supported by a clear skills progression document. This ensures that the formal elements of art – line, shape, form, tone, texture, pattern and colour are revisited and embedded with increasing levels of complexity. 

Phase Focus & Approach 
EYFS Children explore creative ideas through continuous provision. They develop fine motor skills using various tools and learn foundational techniques through adult-led activities. 
Key Stage 1 Lessons focus on imagination and expression. Pupils begin to use a wider range of materials to create products, developing their use of colour, pattern, texture, line, and shape. 
Key Stage 2 Pupils move towards proficiency in specific disciplines. They use sketchbooks to record observations and revisit ideas. They improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting, and sculpture with a range of materials. 

Core Artistic Disciplines

Across both schools, children develop expertise in several key areas:

Drawing and Painting
Drawing is treated as both an end in itself and a starting point for other media. 

  • Techniques: Pupils use a variety of tools (pencils, charcoal, pastels) to explore mood and texture. 
  • Colour Theory: In Painting, children progress from exploring primary colours to understanding the colour wheel, including secondary, tertiary, warm/cold, and complementary colours using watercolours and acrylics. 

Sculpture and Ceramics (3D) 

We are fortunate to have a pottery kiln at Northmead, allowing for an excellent ceramics curriculum. 

  • Progression: Children move from assembling materials in KS1 to advanced clay techniques in KS2, such as slab, coil, and hand modelling. 
  • Finishing: Pupils learn to apply surface decorations, slips, and glazes to enhance the aesthetics of their work. 

Celebrating Artistry 

Art at our schools extends beyond the classroom: 

  • Art History: We discuss the history of art and significant artists to provide cultural context. 
  • Enrichment: Art is a focal point during enrichment weeks and cross-curricular projects (such as the creation of Egyptian Death Masks in Year 4). 
  • Exhibition: We take great pride in our environment; displays celebrate the children’s high-quality work. In the summer term, we invite friends and family to our Exhibition Evening (Northmead) to celebrate our collective creativity. 

Useful Links

 

Tate Kids – Creative activities and artist inspiration 

National Gallery – Virtual tours and art exploration 

BBC Bitesize – Age-appropriate support and guidance for art