Art & Design

Our Vision

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and foster cultural appreciation among our diverse school community. Our curriculum is designed to provide a rich and varied artistic experience through opportunities to enable children to express what they see, feel and think. Our sequences of learning are designed to promote inclusivity, celebrate individual imagination and nurture talent.

Our Curriculum

Curriculum Intent 

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to foster creativity through a balanced combination of practical and theoretical learning. It challenges pupils of all abilities to gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and build confidence across painting, drawing, craft and design and mixed media.

Skills are taught progressively, building on prior knowledge, and children are encouraged to make independent choices regarding techniques, resources, and equipment. This approach allows them to express their creativity fully and develop a personal artistic style.

In our Federation, we aim to cultivate a deep appreciation for art history and the work of significant artists, both local and global. Pupils explore a variety of artistic movements and learn to understand the profound impact of art on society and communities

Curriculum Implementation 

To meet the aims of the National Curriculum for Art and Design, we have identified the following key strands:

Skills:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Craft and design
• Mixed media

History of Art and Design:

• Analyse and evaluate artwork (past and present) using the language of art and design

Pupils explore a broad range of disciplines within the subject, developing their skills through practical activities. Lessons are enriched with inspiration from key local and notable artists, craft makers, designers, and architects, encouraging students to experiment and develop their own artistic style.

Students engage in both modelled and hands-on lessons, allowing them to apply and practise newly taught skills, building competence and confidence. Strong subject knowledge, high-quality and varied resources, and connections to local and global artists, past and present, are essential for staff to deliver highly effective teaching.

Our skills progression documents outline the journey from EYFS through Year 6, ensuring that knowledge, vocabulary, and skills are developed systematically and securely. Knowledge organisers for each unit support pupils in consolidating key learning and vocabulary.

Curriculum Impact 

Throughout each unit of Art and Design, staff model, monitor, address misconceptions and support both the development of skills and the confidence in self-expression. Through engagement with the Arts, students will display improved artistic abilities but will also be able to showcase their creativity, with assurance in their own style. 

The positive impact of our Art and Design curriculum extends beyond academic achievements and skills. Pupils will develop a keen sense of cultural appreciation, empathy, and respect for diverse artistic expressions, preparing them to be informed and culturally aware citizens in an ever-changing world. Pupils should leave the Federation of Oxford Road Community School and Wilson Primary School with a growing passion for creativity, equipped with the skills, vocabulary and knowledge to continue nurturing their passion and talents in the future.