Art and Design Curriculum

Intent

At Benhurst Primary School, our curriculum inspires our children to creatively experience Art. Children develop their creativity, resilience and courage to create pieces of work that instils pride as well as respectfully appreciating Art from a variety of different cultures. Children use a range of different media and materials to develop their skills of painting, collage, drawing, printing, textiles, digital art and 3D work. Teachers enable children to be ambitious which allows children to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design as well as experiencing Art through museum trips.   We aim for our children to become critical thinkers and to develop a rigorous understanding of art and design. Our aim is for children to master a wide range of techniques when using different materials. As they progress, we will also provide pupils with the opportunity to critically evaluate and analyse artwork, form opinions and encourage them to use artistic language in discussions.  By Year 6, children will achieve confidence in how to express their boundless creativity and gain a knowledge about great artists and designers in history.

Aims 

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:

1. Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
2. Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
3. Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
4. Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Implementation

At Benhurst Primary School, the teaching and implementation of our Art and Design Curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum and intricately linked to our topic-based learning approach, ensuring a well-structured and inspiring progression through this creative subject. Reflecting our school’s core values of Courageous Optimism, Boundless Creativity, and Heartfelt Compassion, the curriculum allows students to explore their artistic potential and develop critical thinking, emotional expression, and cultural awareness.

Courageous Optimism is fostered as children are encouraged to take creative risks and persevere in mastering new artistic techniques. Whether they are learning about sculpture, mosaics, or the work of famous artists, they are guided to approach challenges with confidence, understanding that growth often comes from embracing mistakes and learning from them.

Through Boundless Creativity, we inspire children to think imaginatively and express themselves through various media. From African art to Pop Art and Impressionist painting, children are given opportunities to explore different artistic styles and experiment with materials such as papier mâché, charcoal, and clay. This expansive approach encourages each child to discover their own unique artistic voice while gaining an appreciation for the diversity of global art forms.

At the heart of our curriculum is Heartfelt Compassion, as we emphasize the importance of respect for the artistic process and appreciation for the work of local, national, and international artists. Ahead of each termly session, children study an Artist Focus and develop new skills, building resilience and a deeper understanding of cultural heritage through art. This approach not only nurtures their talents but also cultivates empathy for others’ perspectives and creative expressions.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In the EYFS, pupils are immersed in a world of media and materials through a mix of child-initiated and adult-directed activities. This approach encourages them to:

• Explore textures, movement, and the visual impact of different media.
• Respond to a wide range of materials, manipulating them to create desired effects.
• Express their own ideas through their exploration of colour, form, and texture.
• Develop skills in using simple tools and techniques while choosing appropriate media to adapt their work when necessary.

Key Stage 1 (KS1)

In Key Stage 1, pupils are introduced to key elements of art and design, with an emphasis on:

1. Using a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
2. Developing and sharing their ideas, experiences, and imagination through drawing, painting, and sculpture.
3. Mastering a variety of techniques involving colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form, and space.
4. Exploring the work of a wide range of artists, craft makers, and designers, and learning to describe and make connections to their own creations.

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

At Key Stage 2, the curriculum becomes more focused on developing technical skills and artistic appreciation. Pupils are taught to:

1. Use sketchbooks to record observations, review, and refine ideas.
2. Master advanced techniques in drawing, painting, and sculpture with diverse materials, including pencil, charcoal, paint, and clay.

Gain a deeper understanding of historical artists, architects, and designers, appreciating their influence on art and society.

Impact

The impact of our Art and Design curriculum at Benhurst Primary School is visible in the vibrant and expressive work found in sketchbooks, classroom displays, and throughout the school environment. Our curriculum not only nurtures artistic skills but also fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural appreciation. By aligning our art education with the core values of Courageous Optimism, Boundless Creativity, and Heartfelt Compassion, we empower children to become innovative thinkers, empathetic leaders, and engaged citizens who appreciate the power of art to shape and reflect the world around them.

Year Group Overview

Documents