Our Art Curriculum encourages free thinking, creativity and enjoyment where individuality and
personal experience brings us closer together. Our skills become energised as we explore art for a variety of reasons, in a variety of contexts. How will you express your thoughts and feelings?
Through collage, drawing, painting, printing or sculpture? And who will light that flame of
inspiration? Monet, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Warhol, Picasso. It’s your world, your canvas, so create the one you want.

Art and Design Curriculum Intent

Pennine Way Primary School understands that art and design allow pupils to develop their skills and knowledge through a creative and practical curriculum. This subject offer pupils a chance to use creative thinking and activity within a defined purpose and tangible outcome. Our school is committed to nurturing pupils’ curiosity and creativity, as well as preparing them for living in a modern world where technology is rapidly changing and advancing.

At Pennine Way we have chosen to focus on teaching the children the skills which underpin the area of learning such as; painting, collage, modelling, drawing, and printing. These studies are repeated, however the skills are progressive. The skills taught throughout the year will be both practical and creative and lead into an Artist focus and a piece of Art based on this in depth study.

In the Foundation Unit we will be looking at the skills and knowledge outlined in Development Matters in the section of Expressive Arts and Design. In terms of our SEND provision we pride ourselves on providing an inclusive curriculum. Children with SEND needs will be able to access Art lessons alongside their peers but will be given extra support or resources where needed.

The children’s skill development will follow a clear progression between each year group building on their previous learning, revisiting previously learnt skills and addressing any misconceptions. This will help the children to have a deeper understanding of the knowledge and skills as well as improving their long term memory.

Art and Design Curriculum Implementation

Children are involved in practical activities to explore and practice the skills and knowledge taught. Lessons will include a clear focus detailing the skills to enhance. These are clearly outlined in the curriculum map. Quality resources are used to support the focused area. Skills and knowledge are progressive, with studies and themes that are similar but not identical. This is to enhance long term memory and build upon their Art abilities. 

From Year 1, every child records their work in their personal sketchbook which will travel with them throughout the school. Children’s creations that cannot be placed in sketchbooks e.g. display pieces or larger pieces of work will be recorded and shared via Showbie.

Art and Design Curriculum Map

Our Curriculum Map for Art and Design gives an overview of what is taught in each year group and in which half term it will be taught. There will be an Art and Design focus three half terms per year. Where appropriate, studies have been placed to work alongside the studies of other subjects, for example London landmarks and Henry Beck in Year 1 while the children are learning about London and Greek pottery in year 5 during the same term that they learn about the Ancient Greeks in History.