Art

Subject Leader

Mrs E Fowler

Mrs Fowler leads Art across the school and works with staff to ensure the curriculum is creative, inspiring and progressive for all pupils. We want children to express themselves artistically, explore different techniques and materials, and develop confidence, imagination and an appreciation of the visual world around them.

Vision & Intent

At Athelstan Primary School, we believe that Art is a vital part of every child’s education, nurturing creativity, self-expression, imagination and confidence. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, pupils progressively develop their artistic knowledge, skills and understanding across a range of disciplines. Creativity is embedded throughout the wider curriculum, enabling children to explore ideas, communicate meaningfully and make connections between their learning and the world around them. We are committed to providing rich and inspiring artistic experiences, including Arts weeks, educational visits, extra-curricular opportunities and community projects, helping pupils to develop a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

Our curriculum is enriched through the study of diverse artists, designers, architects and craftspeople from different cultures, backgrounds and time periods. By engaging with authentic artistic experiences and exploring the role of creativity in society, pupils gain an understanding of how Art influences everyday life, from design and architecture to media and technology. Children are encouraged to think like artists: to be curious, take creative risks, reflect on their work and learn from mistakes. Through these experiences, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills and an appreciation of the artistic and cultural opportunities within their local area and beyond.

By the end of Year 6, pupils are confident, curious and reflective artists who can communicate ideas, make informed creative choices and appreciate the work of others. They understand the value of creativity in shaping the world around them and recognise the many opportunities it can offer in the future. Our aim is for every child to leave Athelstan Primary School with the skills, knowledge and confidence to see themselves as creative individuals who can make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

What Does Learning Look Like?

In Art, children will:

• Discuss, explore and develop their ideas before creating artwork.
• Draw inspiration from a range of sources and explain the intentions behind their work.
• Use subject-specific artistic vocabulary accurately to describe techniques, processes and outcomes.
• Reflect on their own work and the work of others, identifying strengths and areas for development.
• Refine and improve their artwork through an ongoing process of evaluation and adaptation.
• Experiment with different ideas, materials and techniques, responding thoughtfully to feedback and self-reflection.
• Create artwork for a range of purposes, audiences and authentic contexts.
• Make creative choices that communicate ideas, feelings and meaning effectively.
• Develop confidence in expressing opinions about art using appropriate artistic language.
• Recognise that artistic development is an iterative process, where revising and improving work is a valuable part of learning.