Art

We intend that children should master art and design to such an extent that they develop an appreciation and lifelong passion for the subject that will continue beyond their time with us.   

Our curriculum allows children to engage with a variety of artistic styles, genres, and cultural influences.  We believe in creating opportunities for pupils to learn about great artists, designers, and architects throughout history, enriching their understanding of the world and broadening their cultural capital. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, we ensure that children build on their skills progressively, enabling them to think, work, and communicate like artists. At Blowers Green, we are ambitious, ensuring that all children, regardless of academic ability, are given the tools to succeed and grow as confident, capable artists. Every child has the potential to create, appreciate, and be inspired by the world of art and design. 

At Blowers Green, the art and design curriculum is implemented through a carefully planned and structured approach that ensures all pupils engage in meaningful and progressive learning experiences. We deliver the curriculum through a series of carefully sequenced blocks, where each one focuses on a specific set of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, printing, textiles, sculpture, and collage. This spiral curriculum allows pupils to have multiple encounters with art. They revisit and build on key skills year after year, keeping their learning ‘warm’ and ensuring steady progression in both technique and creativity. Key concepts (including interpretation, technique and reflection and critique) help children to engage with, understand, and appreciate the various dimensions of art they encounter whilst allowing them to make meaningful connections. 

All classes (Years 1-6) have an art and design lesson scheduled weekly. This means that pupils will receive 12 hours of art and design teaching and learning per term. Teachers at Blowers Green use a variety of teaching strategies to engage and inspire students, including hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and the use of digital tools. Children also visit our on-site art gallery to explore and appraise the work of influential artists. The curriculum is designed to provide opportunities for pupils to experiment, refine their skills, and express their ideas in diverse ways. Children’s work is documented and presented in art and design portfolios that travel with the children as they move through school. These are used to showcase their work as well as for reference and assessment.  

At Blowers Green Primary School, children will make progress in art and design by developing a deep appreciation for the subject, building knowledge of great artists, architects, and designers throughout history, while making connections to modern and contemporary art.

Progress in art and design is continuously monitored through various methods, including regular reviews of children’s portfolios, where growth in skills and knowledge can be observed over time. Teachers also assess progress during lessons through observations and discussions with children about their learning so that assessment becomes a conversational routine. These processes help ensure that each child is developing their artistic abilities and understanding of key concepts.

The curriculum fosters personal growth in creativity, independence, critical thinking, and self-reflection. As a result, children will not only produce high-quality outcomes but will also be able to confidently articulate and reflect on their artistic journey, developing their oracy skills. They will share their work with others, explaining the processes behind it, and demonstrating the valuable skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their art and design learning journey.

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

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

Cultural Capital is the collection of skills and experiences which children need to help them thrive in the wider world. Our Art and Design provision (including out of school trips linked to Art and Design topics) aims to give the children a diverse set of encounters and skills which will be valuable to them long after they leave Year 6. These include:

• Inviting local artists into school to share techniques and creative journeys
• Curators in our onsite ‘Castle Art Gallery’
• Exploring artworks from a wide range of cultures, time periods and traditions
• Studying famous artists from diverse backgrounds and their influence on society
• Using art to learn about different festivals, customs and cultural symbols
• Linking art to history, geography, and RE to deepen understanding of the wider world
• Visiting galleries and museums to experience art first-hand (in person or virtually)