Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. 

National Curriculum 2014 

Curriculum Intent

At St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced to develop pupils' knowledge, skills and creativity over time. We aim to inspire all pupils to become confident artists by providing opportunities to explore, experiment and express their ideas through a range of artistic media. Through the study of diverse artists, craft makers and designers, pupils develop an understanding of artistic techniques, cultural influences and the importance of art within society. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils, regardless of starting point, can achieve highly and develop a lasting appreciation of the arts. This curriculum reflects our commitment to high expectations, creativity and excellence for all.

Curriculum Implementation 

At our school, art is taught through an exciting and carefully planned curriculum that helps children develop their creativity, confidence and artistic skills year by year. From Early Years through to Year 6, pupils explore a wide range of artists, techniques and materials, building on what they have learnt before and applying their knowledge in new and imaginative ways.

Children are encouraged to experiment, take risks and develop their own artistic style while learning about the work of significant artists from different times and cultures. They regularly revisit key skills and knowledge to help them remember and apply their learning with increasing independence.

Teachers use assessment throughout lessons to identify areas where children may need additional support or challenge, ensuring that every pupil can succeed. Learning is adapted where necessary so that all children, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, can fully access and enjoy the art curriculum.

Through discussion, reflection and evaluation, pupils learn to talk confidently about art, explain their creative choices and celebrate their achievements. By the time they leave our school, children have developed the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to express themselves creatively and appreciate the value of art in the wider world.

Below is on outline of our curriculum offer in Art and design from EYFS to Year 6. 

EYFS 

Creating with materials: 

• Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. 

• Share their creations, explaining the process they have used. 

• Make use of props and materials when role playing characters in narratives and stories. 

Key Stage 1 

Year 1 – Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso and Andy Goldsworthy 

Year 2 – Victor Ekpuk, Alberto Giacometti and Claude Monet 
 
Key Stage 2 

Year 3 – Nick Rowland, Banksy and Kehinde Wiley 

Year 4 – Yayoi Kusama, Katsushika Hokusai and Alma Thomas 

Year 5 – Vincent Van Gough, David Hockney and Frederick Catherwood 

Year 6 – Henry Moore, Frida Kahlo and Roy Lichtenstein  

Curriculum Impact

Pupils leave St Patrick's with a secure understanding of artistic knowledge, techniques and processes and can apply these confidently within their own creative work. Through effective assessment practices, teachers monitor progress and ensure pupils know and remember more over time. Sketchbooks, pupil voice, artwork outcomes and ongoing assessment demonstrate clear progression in artistic skills and knowledge across the curriculum. Pupils can discuss their learning using appropriate artistic vocabulary, evaluate their own and others' work thoughtfully and make links between different artists, styles and periods of history. As a result, pupils produce work of a high standard, demonstrate pride in their achievements and develop as confident, reflective and creative learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.