Art and Design Subject Statement

 

Perseverance – we aspire to develop resilient young artists who understand that creativity often involves experimentation, reflection and improvement. Children are encouraged to persevere when developing ideas, refining techniques and improving their artwork. Through studying artists and practising the associated with drawing, painting, making and sculpting, our children learn that artistic development takes time and persistence. They are supported to take risks, learn from their early drafts and experiments, and continue developing their ideas with determination and confidence.

Ambition – in art and design, we celebrate creativity, individuality and imagination, while encouraging children to see themselves as confident and capable artists. Our curriculum provides ambitious opportunities for all our learners to develop their knowledge of artistic techniques, materials and processes. Children explore the work of a wide range of artists, craftspeople and designers, inspiring them to aim high and develop pride in their creative achievements.

Curiosity – our art and design curriculum nurtures inquisitive learners who explore both how art is created and why it matters. Children are encouraged to investigate materials, experiment with techniques and explore different ways of expressing ideas and emotions. Through studying artists from different cultures, time periods and disciplines, pupils develop curiosity about the visual world and begin to understand the role art plays in society and history.

Kindness – we are committed to teaching art and design in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where creativity and free experimentation is valued and respected. Our children are encouraged to share ideas, praise, appreciate and provide thoughtful feedback the work of others. Adaptive teaching and supportive classroom practices ensure that all learners can access the curriculum and express themselves creatively, promoting collaboration, empathy and respect for diverse perspectives and forms of expression.

 

Curriculum Intent

The Art and Design curriculum at St John’s uses the Kapow Art and Design primary scheme of work to inspire children to become confident, creative and reflective artists. Through a carefully structured programme of study aligned with the National Curriculum, our children develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to explore, create and evaluate artwork using a range of materials and techniques.

Our curriculum is structured to ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills from Foundation Stage through to Year 6. Children develop both substantive knowledge, such as understanding colour, form, texture, pattern and artistic styles, and disciplinary knowledge, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and craft. Learning is carefully sequenced so that children build upon prior experiences, revisiting and refining techniques over time to secure deeper understanding.

Children are also introduced to the work of significant artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures and historical periods. This helps pupils develop an appreciation of artistic heritage while understanding how art reflects and shapes the world around us. Opportunities to sketch, plan, create and evaluate their work support the development of creative thinking, problem-solving and visual communication.

Our curriculum is both accessible and ambitious. It supports teachers in delivering engaging, well-structured lessons while ensuring that all children, regardless of their starting points, can develop confidence in their artistic abilities and experience success.

 

Curriculum Implementation

Art and Design is taught through the structured Kapow Primary scheme of work, which provides carefully sequenced units that build progressively on prior learning. The scheme supports teachers in delivering engaging, well-structured lessons that develop both artistic knowledge and practical skills. Lessons typically include opportunities to revisit previous knowledge, introduce new artistic techniques or concepts, model creative processes and allow children time to practise and apply their skills through their own artwork.

The Kapow curriculum ensures clear progression in key artistic disciplines such as drawing, painting, sculpture, craft and design. Children explore and develop techniques using a variety of materials and tools while learning about the work of significant artists, designers and craftspeople. Sketchbooks play an important role within the curriculum, allowing pupils to experiment with ideas, practise techniques, and record and reflect on their artistic development over time.

Adaptive teaching is embedded throughout the curriculum. Kapow lessons include guidance to support scaffolding, provide additional challenge and reduce cognitive load where necessary. Teachers use modelling, visual examples and structured tasks to ensure accessibility for all learners, including children with SEND. Opportunities for both collaborative and independent work help children develop confidence, resilience and independence in their creative practice.

Formative assessment is integrated throughout the curriculum. Teachers use questioning, observation, discussion and review of sketchbooks and completed artwork to assess understanding and adapt teaching accordingly. Reflection and evaluation activities encourage pupils to consider how their work could be refined or improved.

Within each year group, opportunities are provided for children to showcase their artistic skills and knowledge through completed pieces, displays or exhibitions. These opportunities allow pupils to revisit key techniques, celebrate their creativity and reflect on their artistic development.

 

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is measured through ongoing formative assessment, review of sketchbooks and finished artwork, and careful monitoring of pupil progress over time. Teachers evaluate learning through observation of artistic processes, discussion with pupils, and the development of skills and techniques across units.

As a result of this implementation, our children will develop secure knowledge of artistic techniques, materials and processes, demonstrate creativity and confidence in expressing ideas visually, show increasing skill and control in a range of artistic disciplines; appreciate the work of artists from different cultures and time periods, and see themselves as capable, imaginative and ambitious young artists.