Intent
At Starcross Primary, our vision is to nurture every child’s creativity, confidence and curiosity through a rich and inclusive Art and Design curriculum. We provide opportunities for pupils to explore a wide range of techniques, materials and media, empowering them to express their ideas, feelings and identities in imaginative and individual ways.
We believe that developing resilience, creative thinking and problem-solving skills through art is essential. We encourage pupils to take risks, reflect on their process and view mistakes as vital steps in their artistic growth. In order to promote a sense of well-being and build self-esteem, we feel that it is vital to celebrate and showcase pupils’ artwork.
Our curriculum includes the celebration of diverse artistic voices, drawing from both local and global artists—past and present—who inspire, engage and challenge. Through this, children will gain a growing appreciation and understanding of art in different cultures and communities.
By the end of their primary journey, pupils will not only have developed a strong foundation in artistic skills but also a lifelong love for creativity, visual storytelling and the power of expression.
EYFS
The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.
Key stage 1
Pupils should be taught:
· to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products
· to use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination
· to develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space
· about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work.
Key stage 2
Pupils should be taught to develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
Pupils should be taught:
· to create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas
· to improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials [for example, pencil, charcoal, paint, clay]
· about great artists, architects and designers in history.
Impact
Our Art and Design curriculum enables every child to leave our school as a confident, reflective and imaginative creator. Pupils develop the skills, knowledge and vocabulary to express themselves visually and to explore their ideas with originality and purpose. They demonstrate an appreciation for art in its many forms and an understanding of how creativity enriches both individuals and communities.
Pupil progress in Art and Design is carefully monitored through sketchbooks, discussions and displayed work, ensuring clear progression of skills, knowledge and creativity across all year groups. The progression of skills and understanding is evident in pupils’ sketchbooks and final pieces, reflecting both technical mastery and personal growth.
By the end of Key Stage 2, our pupils are able to:
- Apply a broad range of techniques confidently and independently.
- Reflect on their creative process and use feedback to refine their work.
- Recognise art and design as a means of communication, wellbeing and cultural understanding.
- Appreciate the value of creativity and its connection to wider learning and future opportunities.
- Ultimately, our aim is for every child to carry forward a lifelong appreciation of art, a belief in their own creative potential and the confidence to express themselves with imagination and joy.