Art and Design

Intent

Our Art and Design curriculum engages, inspires, and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent, and create their own works of art, craft, and design.

We aim to:

Develop core disciplines: Build progressive skills in drawing, painting, 3D sculpture, textiles, collage, and printmaking.

Explore diverse artists: Study diverse artists, craft makers, and designers from different historical periods and cultures.

Cultivate critical thinking: Teach pupils to evaluate their own work and that of others using technical artistic vocabulary.

Promote personal expression: Foster creative confidence in a subject where there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers.

Implementation

Our curriculum covers the formal elements of art—line, shape, colour, value, form, texture, and space—progressing from EYFS through Key Stage 2.

Curriculum Structure & Progression

EYFS: Expressive Arts and Design focuses on exploring media, materials, and foundational techniques through structured play and creative activities.

Key Stage 1: Pupils learn techniques in drawing, painting, and sculpture to share their ideas, experiences, and imagination, while learning about a range of artists and designers.

Key Stage 2: Pupils continue to develop the techniques taught in KS1, refine control and use of materials, keep creative art sketchbooks to evaluate their ideas and master techniques.

Learning Sequence per Unit

Explore & Appreciate: Investigate works by key artists and historical periods.

Experiment: Practise specific techniques, skills, and artistic elements.

Design: Plan personal artwork inspired by initial research.

Create: Produce individual pieces using selected media.

Evaluate: Critique personal work and peers' work constructively using age-appropriate technical vocabulary.

Impact

Pupils leave school as confident, reflective creators with a rich understanding of art history and culture. Progress and attainment are measured through:

• Pupil discussions and creative art book reviews.
• Progression in skill execution across Key Stages.
• Regular opportunities to display and celebrate artwork across the school community.

If you would like to find out more about our Art and Design curriculum or have questions regarding how it is delivered, please contact the school office or reach out to our Subject Lead at: admin@willow.elp.org.uk