At St John the Baptist C of E Primary School, we believe that Art should be progressive, inclusive, and child-led, giving every learner the opportunity to explore their ambitions through creative expression. Our rich and varied curriculum provides enjoyable opportunities for children to experiment, develop ideas, and gain confidence across a wide range of techniques including drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, collage, and textiles.

Art is an expressive subject that nurtures resilience, encourages self-discovery, and helps children connect with diverse cultures. By studying and discussing the work of significant artists from different eras and backgrounds, pupils are inspired to see how art reflects historical and cultural contexts while celebrating the inclusive and creative spirit of Britain and beyond.

Using the National Curriculum as our foundation, we ensure that all pupils:

• Produce creative work, exploring their ambitions, ideas, and recording their experiences

• Become proficient in drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, textiles, and collage techniques

• Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art

• Learn about a diverse variety of artists, craft makers, and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

Our progressive art curriculum is organised into half-term units that build on skills and knowledge from Year 3 to Year 6. Each unit focuses on one key artist and art movement, enabling pupils to engage with traditional, modern, and contemporary styles.

A typical unit involves:

• Learning about a particular artist and period of art history (e.g. Monet and Impressionism)

• Responding to and capturing ideas from the key artist and art movement

• Discussing and exploring a particular piece of artwork

• Developing skills with specific media and techniques

• Experimenting with their own ideas in a child-led way

• Producing their own creative work

• Reflecting, comparing, and evaluating their artwork alongside peers’ work and the inspirational artist

Beyond discrete art units, pupils also apply artistic skills across the wider curriculum and through whole-school events, including:

• Producing art for local and national occasions (e.g. Remembrance Day)

• Sketching, drawing, and painting linked to English, topic, or even maths when appropriate

• Whole-school arts celebrations such as Arts Week

This approach ensures that children experience art as an inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable subject, encouraging them to see creativity as a continual source of reflection, growth, and achievement.

Through Art, we want children to:

• Take ownership of their artwork through sketchbooks and completed final pieces

• Appreciate and be inspired by a wide range of artists and artistic styles

• Develop and confidently use associated art vocabulary

• Experiment with and apply different media and techniques

• Evaluate their own and others’ work with reference to inspiration, intent, and impact

Assessment takes place in each unit against our progression of skills document, enabling teachers to track whether pupils are meeting year group expectations within the KS2 curriculum. Every unit is carefully planned around specific art skills, which form the Learning Objectives. Core elements such as studying artists and discussing artworks are embedded across all units, forming the foundation of our art education.

At St John the Baptist C of E Primary School, we are committed to celebrating children’s artistic achievements and proudly display their learning throughout the school.

What our children say:

 

“It’s relaxing. I feel calm especially when I’m practising my drawing skills in class.”

“I love it when we get to do projects that link to our learning in other lessons, like when we drew dragons in Year 4 for our ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ learning journey.”

“I love Art at St John’s because I can be me through my drawings and use of colour.”

“It relaxes my brain and destresses me. I particularly loved practising how to use different types of pencils for effect.”

“I like practising my skills so I can be an artist one day.”