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At The Grange, we follow the National Curriculum to deliver a rich and inspiring Art and Design curriculum that enables all pupils to become creative, confident and reflective learners. We believe that every child is an artist, and our curriculum is designed to nurture imagination, curiosity and self-expression.

Art provides a unique opportunity for children to explore ideas, take risks and learn through experimentation. We celebrate mistakes as an essential part of the creative process, encouraging pupils to develop resilience, problem-solving skills and confidence in their own ideas.

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Our Intent

Through our Art and Design curriculum, pupils will:

• Develop strong observational and creative skills

• Learn to express thoughts, ideas and emotions visually

• Experiment confidently with a wide range of materials and techniques

• Build subject-specific knowledge, skills and vocabulary

• Analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others

• Develop a lifelong appreciation of art, design and visual culture

 

Pupils explore the work of a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople, carefully selected to build cultural capital and provide a broad and balanced understanding of art across different cultures, time periods and contexts.

High-quality visual stimuli play a central role in our curriculum. Wordless picture books such as Flotsam, Flood, Journey and Quest are used as creative starting points, developing pupils’ visual literacy, imagination and interpretation skills, and creating strong links between art, literacy and personal development.

We value the process of making just as much as the finished outcome. Reflection, revisiting ideas and evaluating work are integral to learning, enabling pupils to understand how artists develop and refine their work over time.

Art at The Grange also supports pupils’ emotional wellbeing, providing a safe and expressive space where children can explore ideas, build confidence and develop a strong sense of self.

 

Curriculum Design and Progression

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To ensure secure and meaningful progression, our Art and Design curriculum is organised through a clear progression model. This outlines the skills, knowledge and vocabulary pupils need to develop, sequenced coherently from year to year.

• Long-term plans ensure coverage across all year groups

• Medium-term plans identify specific techniques, media and artists

• Skills and knowledge are revisited and built upon over time

 

Skills and techniques are developed progressively from EYFS to Year 6, with pupils moving from exploration and experimentation to increasingly refined, expressive and purposeful artwork.

Art learning is linked to our whole-school themes and key curriculum topics, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections across subjects while maintaining a strong artistic focus.

 

Across the school, pupils experience a wide range of media, including:

• Drawing and sketching

• Painting

• Printing

• Sculpture

• Weaving

• Collage

 

Where appropriate, projects are linked to community or cultural contexts, helping pupils understand the relevance and purpose of art in the wider world (for example, creating artwork for local initiatives).

 

How Art Is Taught

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Learning begins by revisiting prior knowledge and making meaningful connections. Teachers explicitly model subject-specific vocabulary, techniques and artistic processes. Consistent learning walls provide visual scaffolds and support independence.

Pupils are given frequent opportunities to develop practical skills at their own pace. We recognise that progression in art is not linear; therefore, work is valued and recorded rather than formally marked. Teachers observe pupils carefully, capturing evidence of:

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• Effective evaluation

• Use of artistic language

• Collaboration

• Creative decision-making

 

Sketchbooks and Reflection

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Sketchbooks play a central role in our Art curriculum. They are a safe space for:

• Free drawing and experimentation

• Studying and responding to artists’ work

• Developing ideas over time

• Reflecting on and evaluating learning

 

Pupils are taught how to reflect on their work and are supported through peer and teacher-led critiques, helping them articulate ideas and move their learning forward.

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Cross-Curricular Links (Art and Design)

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Art and Design at The Grange is purposefully connected to wider curriculum learning, strengthening understanding while maintaining the integrity of the subject.

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• English and Reading – High-quality visual texts and sketchbook work develop pupils’ visual literacy, interpretation skills, vocabulary and spoken language through discussion and critique.

• History and Geography – Art is used to explore culture, place, identity and historical context, helping pupils understand how art reflects time, place and society.

• PSHE – Art provides opportunities for self-expression, reflection and emotional wellbeing, supporting pupils’ personal development and sense of identity.

• Science and Design Technology – Exploration of materials, colour, texture and processes supports understanding of properties and techniques.

• Community and Citizenship – Where appropriate, projects link to local or global themes, helping pupils understand the purpose of art in the wider world.

 

These links ensure learning is coherent, relevant and meaningful, while artistic skills, knowledge and creativity remain central.

 

Enrichment, Wellbeing and Additional Support

 

We provide additional opportunities for pupils to develop their artistic skills through after-school clubs and workshops across Key Stages 1 and 2. Artwork is celebrated through high-quality displays across the school, allowing pupils to showcase their creativity and take pride in their achievements.

 

Art is also used to support pupils’ emotional wellbeing through targeted pastoral provision. The school has a trained Draw and Talk practitioner, who provides additional support for pupils who may benefit from expressing thoughts and feelings through drawing and conversation. This provision complements, but is distinct from, the taught Art curriculum and forms part of the school’s wider wellbeing and inclusion offer.

Impact

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The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is seen in pupils who:

• Express themselves confidently through a range of media

• Use artistic vocabulary accurately

• Take pride in their creative work

• Reflect thoughtfully on their own learning and progress

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Pupil voice, sketchbook monitoring and vibrant displays across the school demonstrate that pupils value art, enjoy creating and develop their skills progressively over time.

 

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