Intent

 At Barnham CEVC Primary School, we aim to provide an engaging and inspiring Art and Design curriculum that enables all children to develop their creativity, confidence and self-expression. We believe that art is a vital part of a broad and balanced education and provides pupils with a powerful means of communicating ideas, emotions and experiences.

 Our curriculum is designed to ensure that children develop a secure understanding of the formal elements of art, including line, tone, colour, texture, shape, form and space. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils build knowledge and skills over time, allowing them to experiment, take risks and develop their own artistic style.

 We aim to expose children to a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures, periods and traditions. This enables pupils to understand the importance of art and design in reflecting and shaping the world around them.

 By providing opportunities to explore a range of materials, techniques and processes, we ensure that all pupils can develop their artistic abilities and achieve their full potential.

 

Implementation

 Art and Design is taught through a carefully structured curriculum that ensures clear progression in both skills and knowledge across all year groups. Lessons are taught in modules allowing pupils to study each topic in depth. They are designed to build on prior learning, allowing pupils to revisit and refine key techniques while developing greater independence and control.

 Pupils are given regular opportunities to explore, experiment and develop their skills using a wide range of materials and media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printing and textiles. Sketchbooks are used consistently across the school as a place for pupils to record ideas, practise techniques and reflect on their learning.

 Teachers model key skills and processes, providing clear guidance and subject-specific vocabulary to support pupils in developing their understanding. Children are encouraged to think critically, make creative choices and evaluate their work throughout the artistic process.

 The work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers is embedded throughout the curriculum, providing inspiration and context for pupils’ own work. Where possible, links are made across the wider curriculum to enrich learning and provide meaningful opportunities for creative expression.

 High-quality resources and well-organised materials support effective teaching and learning, ensuring that all pupils can access and engage fully with the curriculum.

 

Impact

 The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is that children leave Barnham CEVC Primary School as confident, creative individuals who can express their ideas thoughtfully through a range of artistic forms. Pupils develop a secure understanding of the formal elements of art and are able to select and apply a range of techniques, materials and processes with increasing independence and control.

 Children are able to reflect on, analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others using appropriate artistic vocabulary. They demonstrate an understanding of how art and design both reflect and shape history and culture, and can recognise the contributions of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers.

 Outcomes in sketchbooks and across the curriculum show clear progression in skills and knowledge over time. Pupils produce high-quality work that demonstrates creativity, experimentation and an understanding of the techniques they have been taught.

 By the time they leave Barnham, pupils have developed resilience, curiosity and pride in their achievements. They have a lasting appreciation of the visual arts and understand that creativity is a powerful way to communicate ideas, emotions and experiences.