At Kimberley, we believe that Art and Design is a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum, providing children with opportunities to express themselves creatively, develop their imagination and gain an appreciation of the diverse world in which they live. Through high-quality art education, pupils develop confidence, creativity and the ability to think critically whilst exploring ideas, materials, techniques and the work of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and periods of history.

Our Art and Design curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and enables pupils to produce creative work, become proficient in a range of artistic techniques, evaluate and analyse creative works, and understand the historical and cultural development of art forms.

We aim to nurture children who are curious, reflective and confident creators, encouraging them to take risks, experiment and learn from the artistic process. Through their learning, pupils develop an understanding that art is a powerful form of communication that can express ideas, emotions, beliefs and experiences.

Our school values are woven throughout the curriculum:

• Gracious – valuing and celebrating the creativity and achievements of others through constructive feedback and collaborative projects.

• Resilient – embracing challenges, refining ideas and understanding that artistic development often involves experimentation and learning from mistakes.

• Empathetic – exploring art from different cultures, communities and perspectives, helping children understand and appreciate the experiences of others.

• Ambitious – striving to develop artistic skills, broaden creative experiences and take pride in producing high-quality outcomes.

• Thoughtful and Tolerant – reflecting on artwork, considering different interpretations and respecting diverse viewpoints, beliefs and artistic traditions.

Art provides rich opportunities to develop Oracy skills. Pupils are encouraged to discuss, explain and evaluate their own work and that of others using appropriate artistic vocabulary. Through collaborative projects, critiques and discussions about artists and artwork, children learn to articulate ideas, justify opinions and listen respectfully to differing perspectives.

As a Rights Respecting School, we recognise every child’s right to express themselves freely (Article 13) and to participate fully in cultural and artistic life (Article 31). Through art, pupils explore themes of identity, diversity, equality, community and global citizenship, helping them understand and respect the rights, experiences and cultures of others.

 

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In EYFS, Art and Design is taught primarily through the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning. Children are provided with a rich environment that encourages exploration, creativity and self-expression through a wide range of media and materials.

Children:

• Explore colour, texture, shape, form and pattern through play and investigation.

• Experiment with drawing, painting, printing, collage, modelling and construction.

• Develop fine motor skills through creative activities.

• Express ideas, feelings and experiences through artwork.

• Observe and respond to the natural world and their environment.

Adults model artistic vocabulary and encourage children to talk about their creations, choices and processes. Opportunities for discussion help children build confidence in expressing their ideas while developing early Oracy skills.

Rights Respecting themes are introduced through celebrating individuality, valuing different creative responses and recognising that everyone has the right to express themselves.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of art and design through practical experiences and exploration of a range of artists, techniques and materials.

Pupils:

• Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.

• Develop techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms.

• Explore colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.

• Learn about the work of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and times.

• Begin to evaluate and discuss their own work and the work of others.

Teachers provide opportunities for children to experiment, take creative risks and understand that there is often more than one solution to an artistic challenge. This promotes resilience and confidence in the creative process.

Oracy is developed through partner discussions, group critiques and opportunities to explain artistic choices using increasingly sophisticated vocabulary.

Links to Rights Respecting education include learning about cultural diversity, celebrating differences and recognising the importance of self-expression and inclusion.

Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, pupils build upon prior learning and develop greater mastery of artistic techniques, knowledge and creative thinking. They learn to investigate, refine and evaluate their work while drawing inspiration from a broad range of artists and artistic traditions.

Pupils:

• Improve their mastery of drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.

• Develop sketchbook skills to record observations, ideas and creative processes.

• Study significant artists, craftspeople, architects and designers from a range of cultures and historical periods.

• Explore artistic styles, movements and cultural influences.

• Evaluate and analyse creative works using artistic language.

• Create increasingly personal, thoughtful and purposeful outcomes.

Children are encouraged to take ownership of their creative journey by experimenting, adapting and refining their work. They learn that resilience and perseverance are essential aspects of artistic success.

Oracy is embedded through:

• Presenting artistic ideas and inspirations.

• Participating in discussions about artists and artwork.

• Evaluating their own work and that of peers.

• Engaging in respectful critique and artistic debate.

The curriculum promotes empathy and tolerance by exploring how art reflects diverse identities, beliefs, experiences and cultures. Pupils are encouraged to consider how art can challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion and raise awareness of important social and global issues.

Rights Respecting themes may include:

• Identity and belonging.

• Equality and diversity.

• Cultural heritage.

• Freedom of expression.

• Children's rights around the world.

• Environmental responsibility and sustainability through creative projects.

Across Kimberley Primary School

Art and Design is taught through:

• A progressive curriculum that builds knowledge, skills and vocabulary from EYFS to Year 6.

• Opportunities to explore, experiment and create using a range of media and materials.

• Exposure to diverse artists, cultures and artistic traditions.

• The use of sketchbooks to develop ideas, reflection and artistic independence.

• Meaningful opportunities for discussion, evaluation and presentation.

• Cross-curricular links where appropriate.

• Inclusive teaching approaches that ensure all pupils can succeed and express themselves creatively.

Assessment is ongoing and focuses on pupils’ developing knowledge, technical skills, creativity, reflection and ability to evaluate and improve their work.

Through our Art and Design curriculum, pupils leave our school as confident, creative and reflective individuals who appreciate the richness of artistic expression. They understand how art shapes and reflects society, value the contributions of others and are equipped to be gracious, resilient, empathetic, ambitious and thoughtful citizens who use creativity to communicate, connect and contribute positively to the world around them.