High Legh Primary School

Art & Design

Curriculum Lead - Mrs Tottle

“Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso

The teaching of Art at High Legh Primary is based on the ideal that everyone can be an artist. We believe that art allows children to express themselves and their ideas about different experiences, while developing their imagination and creativity. We aim to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.

Art and Design Policy

Intent

At High Legh Primary School, we believe Art and Design inspires creativity, imagination and self-expression. We want every child to develop as a confident artist who is willing to experiment, take creative risks and communicate ideas through a wide range of artistic media.

Our curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum and carefully planned using the Kapow Primary scheme to ensure a coherent progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary from Reception to Year 6. Teachers adapt learning to meet the needs of our pupils whilst maintaining the carefully sequenced progression of the curriculum.

Children learn to work as artists by exploring, experimenting, refining and evaluating their ideas, understanding that art is a creative process rather than simply producing a final outcome. As they progress through the school, they develop increasing confidence in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles and mixed media whilst learning about a carefully selected and diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures, backgrounds and periods in history.

Through our curriculum, children develop technical skills alongside creativity, resilience and critical thinking. They learn to discuss and evaluate artwork using subject-specific vocabulary and gain an understanding of how art reflects and shapes history, culture and the wider world. We aim for every child to leave High Legh with a lifelong appreciation of creativity and the confidence to express themselves through art.

Implementation

Our Art and Design curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children build knowledge and skills progressively throughout their time at High Legh Primary School. Learning revisits and builds upon prior knowledge so that pupils develop increasing confidence, independence and technical proficiency as they move through the school.

In Reception, children explore, investigate and experiment with a wide range of materials and media through carefully planned creative experiences. These opportunities develop fine motor control, imagination, observation skills and confidence, providing a strong foundation for future learning.

From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils follow a progressive curriculum planned using the Kapow Primary scheme, which supports the teaching of the National Curriculum. Children develop their understanding of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles and mixed media through carefully sequenced units that build upon previously taught knowledge and skills.

A key feature of our curriculum is the creative process. Children are taught to investigate, experiment, create and evaluate throughout every unit of work. They observe closely, develop and refine ideas, explore different techniques and materials and evaluate their own work and the work of others, learning that artists continually improve and develop their ideas.

Teachers explicitly teach artistic techniques, knowledge and vocabulary, enabling children to understand the elements of art, including colour, line, shape, form, texture, tone, pattern and composition. Children learn how these elements are used by artists to communicate meaning before applying them within their own work.

Sketchbooks are an essential part of our curriculum and are used as working documents where children record observations, practise techniques, develop ideas, experiment and reflect on their learning throughout the creative process. They demonstrate children's thinking, creativity and progression over time.

Learning is enriched through the study of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers. Children explore how art has influenced cultures and societies throughout history while making meaningful connections between artists' work and their own creative outcomes.

Impact

By the end of Year 6, pupils demonstrate secure knowledge of the artists, techniques, vocabulary and creative processes taught throughout the curriculum. They confidently apply their skills across a range of media, explain the choices they make and evaluate artwork using subject-specific vocabulary.

Children understand that art is a process of exploration, experimentation and refinement. They show increasing creativity, resilience and independence, taking pride in both the creative journey and the finished outcome.

Our curriculum develops culturally aware, reflective and creative learners who appreciate the contribution of art to society. Children leave High Legh Primary School with the confidence to express themselves creatively, an appreciation of art from different cultures and periods and the knowledge and skills to continue their artistic journey.

Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning in Art and Design and is used to inform future planning and ensure all pupils make strong progress.

Teachers assess children's knowledge, practical skills and understanding throughout each unit through observation, discussion, sketchbooks and completed artwork. Children are encouraged to reflect on their own work and use feedback to refine and improve their artistic outcomes.

Assessment information is recorded on Earwig and used to identify next steps, celebrate achievement and ensure that all pupils are appropriately supported and challenged. Progress over time is evidenced through children's sketchbooks, practical outcomes and finished pieces, demonstrating the development of knowledge, skills and creativity as they move through the school.

Enrichment

At High Legh Primary School, we believe memorable experiences enrich learning and inspire creativity. We provide opportunities for children to experience art beyond the classroom through:

• Visits to galleries, museums and exhibitions where possible.
• Workshops led by visiting artists and craftspeople.
• Participation in local and national art competitions.
• Opportunities to contribute to community art projects and displays.
• An extra-curricular Art Club where children can further develop their creativity and artistic skills.

These experiences broaden children's cultural understanding, encourage creativity and help them appreciate the importance of art and design in the wider world.

Health and Safety

Children are taught to use tools, equipment and materials safely and responsibly. Teachers model the correct use of equipment, ensure appropriate protective clothing is worn where necessary and promote safe and tidy working practices. Risk assessments are considered where appropriate, and pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

At High Legh Primary School, we believe every child should have the opportunity to achieve success in Art and Design. Lessons are carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners, providing appropriate support and challenge so that every child can participate fully and make strong progress from their individual starting points.

Our curriculum celebrates diversity by exposing children to artists, craftspeople and designers from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, traditions and historical periods. Through this inclusive approach, children develop respect for different perspectives while building confidence in expressing their own ideas creatively.

Art Coverage 

Link to the National Curriculum