Art and Design Curriculum

Art and Design

Intent

At Westhead Lathom St James' CE Primary School, our Art curriculum is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking in all pupils. We aim to provide a high-quality Art education that engages and inspires, allowing pupils to explore various mediums while developing a deep understanding of the role of art, craft, and design in both personal and cultural contexts. Through our curriculum, pupils will experiment with different materials, techniques, and styles, building confidence and ownership of their creative processes. Our focus is on nurturing individual creativity while encouraging pupils to appreciate how art reflects and shapes history, society, and identity.

Implementation

Our Art curriculum is delivered by a Specialist Art Teacher, who is also a practising artist, ensuring that pupils benefit from expert instruction and real-world artistic experience. The curriculum follows a two-year rolling programme, with clear progression and sequencing across all key stages, from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Upper Key Stage 2. Lessons are structured to include direct teaching of techniques and skills, alongside opportunities for experimentation, allowing pupils to create their own expressive works of art. Pupils are introduced to diverse artists, craftspeople, and architects from various historical periods and cultures, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes cultural awareness and respect. Regular cross-curricular links help deepen pupils’ understanding of art in a broader educational context.

Impact

The impact of our Art curriculum is evident in the confidence and creativity of our pupils. By the end of each key stage, pupils can proficiently use a variety of artistic techniques and materials to produce imaginative and technically skilled work. They can critically evaluate their own artwork and that of others, using appropriate artistic vocabulary and demonstrating an understanding of artistic concepts. Pupils develop an appreciation of how art reflects cultural and personal identity, and they gain the ability to connect art to wider historical and societal influences. Overall, our curriculum equips pupils with the creative skills, knowledge, and critical thinking needed to succeed in their artistic endeavours and beyond.

Expressive Arts and Design in EYFS

Art is taught through the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning in the EYFS. The children are taught about different media, colour mixing of paint as well as 3D work including junk modelling and clay. The children have opportunity throughout the provision both indoors and outdoors to practise and refine their skills.

Key Stage 1 Art and Design

Starry Night

Key Stage 2 Art and Design

Banksy Inspired Art

Deborah Roberts Research