Art & Design
Intent
At Alkerden CE Academy Primary Phase, we believe that Art & Design plays a vital role in a broad and balanced education. We aim to inspire learners to explore their creativity, build confidence and express ideas, thoughts and feelings through a variety of media. Our curriculum encourages learners to:
- Develop a strong understanding of artistic techniques
Learners are taught a wide range of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpture, printing and mixed media. They progressively learn control, precision and experimentation, moving from basic mark-making in EYFS to more refined and purposeful techniques in Upper Key Stage 2. Skills are revisited and built upon to ensure depth and mastery rather than isolated experiences. - Explore diverse artists, cultures and historical contexts
Our curriculum exposes learners to a broad range of artists from different cultures, time periods and backgrounds. Learners study both well-known and lesser-known artists, enabling them to understand how art reflects society, identity and history. This promotes inclusivity and broadens learners’ cultural capital. - Build confidence in evaluating and discussing art
Learners are explicitly taught how to analyse and evaluate artwork using subject-specific vocabulary. They learn to articulate opinions, justify choices and respectfully critique their own and others’ work. This develops oracy skills and critical thinking. - Foster creativity, imagination and resilience
Our curriculum encourages risk-taking and experimentation. Learners understand that mistakes are part of the creative process and are supported to refine and improve their work. This builds resilience, independence and a growth mindset. - Develop a lifelong appreciation of art
Learners are encouraged to see art as a meaningful form of expression and communication. They gain an understanding of its relevance beyond school, including careers and its role in the wider world.
Through this approach, we hope to foster a lifelong appreciation of art, creativity and cultural awareness.
Implementation
Art & Design is delivered through Kapow’s progressive, skills-based scheme:
- Sequenced learning
The curriculum is carefully structured so that knowledge and skills build progressively across year groups. Each unit revisits prior learning while introducing new concepts, ensuring learners retain knowledge and make connections over time. - Knowledge-rich lessons
Lessons combine practical skills with knowledge of artists, techniques and artistic movements. Learners do not just ‘make’, but understand the purpose, context and inspiration behind their work. - Sketchbooks as a learning journey
Sketchbooks are used as a working document where learners explore ideas, practise techniques, record observations and reflect on their progress. They show the process of learning rather than just final outcomes, supporting metacognition. - Explicit vocabulary teaching
Key vocabulary is carefully selected, taught and revisited within and across units. Teachers model the use of terminology and encourage learners to apply it in discussion and evaluation. - Hands-on exploration and experimentation
Lessons prioritise practical engagement, allowing learners to explore materials and techniques freely before refining their ideas. This supports deeper understanding and creativity. - Cross-curricular links
Where meaningful, links are made with subjects such as history (e.g. studying art from specific periods), geography and literacy. These connections strengthen understanding and make learning more relevant. - Adaptive teaching
Teachers use Kapow as a foundation but adapt lessons to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring appropriate challenge, scaffolding and support.
Impact
The impact of our Art & Design curriculum is that learners at Alkerden CE Academy Primary Phase:
- Produce creative, expressive work
Learners create high-quality artwork that reflects their ideas, experiences and imagination. They develop increasing confidence in expressing themselves visually and take pride in their creative achievements, seeing themselves as capable and imaginative individuals. - Demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of techniques
Learners become increasingly skilled in drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, textiles and mixed media. They show growing control, precision and mastery, applying techniques with purpose and independence. - Understand and apply the formal elements of art
Learners confidently use line, shape, tone, texture, pattern, colour, space and composition to communicate meaning. They make informed artistic decisions, understanding how these elements contribute to effective outcomes. - Use sketchbooks effectively as a creative journey
Sketchbooks show a clear process of generating, developing and refining ideas. Learners use them to experiment, record observations and reflect on their learning, demonstrating progression and depth in their creative thinking. - Develop strong knowledge of artists and cultural contexts
Learners know about a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and historical periods. They understand how art reflects society and recognise its significance across time and place, enhancing their cultural capital. - Evaluate and analyse with confidence
Learners are able to evaluate their own work and that of others using appropriate artistic vocabulary. They can discuss strengths, identify areas for development and make thoughtful, informed decisions to improve their work. - Show creativity, independence and resilience
Learners are confident to explore, experiment and take creative risks. They demonstrate perseverance, reflect on their work and refine their ideas, showing a strong growth mindset. - Develop a lifelong appreciation of art
Learners view art as a meaningful and enriching form of expression. They understand its value beyond the classroom and develop creativity, cultural awareness, independence and a strong personal voice. - Are well-prepared for future learning
Our learners leave primary school equipped with the knowledge, skills and creative thinking needed for secondary education. They have a secure foundation in both practical skills and artistic understanding.
Art & Design Across the Stages
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Art & Design in the Early Years Foundation Stage, is centred on exploration, play and experimentation. Learners engage with a wide range of materials, tools and textures, using open-ended opportunities to express their ideas, feelings and experiences. They develop fine motor control through mark-making, painting, modelling and construction, while beginning to talk about their creations and build early creative vocabulary. This phase lays the foundations for curiosity, imagination and confidence in artistic expression.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
In Key Stage 1, learners build on their early experiences by exploring and developing fundamental skills in drawing, painting and collage. They use their own ideas and experiences—from school, home and the wider world—as inspiration for their work, experimenting with a range of materials and techniques. Learners begin to share their ideas visually with increasing confidence, while developing an understanding of simple formal elements such as colour, line, shape and texture. They are introduced to the work of selected artists and craftspeople, and are encouraged to reflect on what they see, express their opinions and make connections to their own creative work.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)
In Key Stage 2, learners develop increasing independence, technical skill and critical understanding through a structured and progressive curriculum. They refine and apply a wide range of techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles and mixed media, with growing control and precision. Sketchbooks are used consistently to generate, develop and refine ideas, supporting experimentation, reflection and thoughtful decision-making. Learners consider purpose and audience, making informed choices about materials, techniques and composition. They study a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures and historical periods, making meaningful connections to their own work. Learners confidently evaluate and analyse artwork using subject-specific vocabulary, reflecting on strengths and identifying areas for improvement. As a result, learners produce high-quality, creative work that reflects their ideas and experiences, demonstrate resilience and independence in their artistic process, and develop as confident, expressive and reflective artists who take pride in their achievements and are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
Inclusion & Support
Alkerden values the individuality of every learner. To support this:
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Learning is adapted where needed. Practical tasks, scaffolding, visual support, differentiated outcomes or alternative media ensure that all learners, including those with additional needs, can participate and succeed.
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We provide challenge for more able and confident learners through richer tasks, ambitious projects and opportunities to show individuality, experimentation and personal style.
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Use of sketchbooks and regular reflection helps learners track their progress, build confidence and develop resilience in their creative work.
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We aim for equal opportunity: all learners have access to a broad art curriculum, regardless of background, and are encouraged to see their own creativity and identity reflected in their work.