Blocked art and design sessions form part of our topic-based curriculum to allow pupils to spend quality time on building and developing skills in: drawing, painting, printing, 3D art, collage and textiles. Cultural capital is at the heart of our arts
curriculum. Our children leave primary school with not only a breadth of skills,
but also a rich understanding in relevant vocabulary and global artists and
their art works, past and present.

In EYFS, pupils explore colour, texture and
experiment with a wide range of mark-making tools, both inside and outside of
the classroom. They are encouraged to express their feelings and ideas through
expressive drawing, painting and sculpture.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, sketchbooks are used and
taken right through school from Year 1 to Year 6. Pupils are encouraged to use
these as ‘art journals’ – where creativity, freedom and experimentation of
ideas can be explored on a more personal level. Pupils are
taught art and design through a carefully planned learning sequence, which
builds on prior knowledge and skills. 

‘Art is a journey of discovery’

Art & design sessions are guided by the following progressive steps:

1.     Study, Appreciate & Explore

2.     Practise & Experiment

3.     Apply & Re-create

4.     Expressive Design 

Each class also has regular opportunities to explore all elements of the arts including: film, music, art & design, dance and drama. Showcasing of the arts is embedded into our curriculum through festivals, visits, assemblies and art exhibitions, which pupils love to help plan. On a termly cycle, each class in Key Stages 1 & 2 is lucky to work with local dance specialist, Gill Sharp. Our EYFS children also take part in expressive dance and fitness with Bronte Hudson (Movin Monkees) every term.