Introduction

At Cam Everlands Primary School, we believe that art is a fundamental form of human expression and creativity. Our art and design curriculum aims to ignite a passion for the visual arts, equipping our pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to experiment, invent, and create their own works of art. By exposing our pupils to a diverse range of artistic genres, periods, and cultures, we strive to develop their critical thinking and appreciation for the role of art in shaping our world.

Key Aims

Our art and design curriculum is designed to:

• Foster a love of art and design, encouraging pupils to explore and express their creativity
• Develop technical skills and an understanding of the formal elements of art, such as colour, line, texture, and form
• Provide opportunities for pupils to experiment with a variety of media and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art
• Enable pupils to critically analyse and evaluate works of art, both historical and contemporary
• Encourage pupils to make connections between art and the wider world, understanding how it reflects and shapes culture, history, and society

Content and Skills

Throughout their primary education, our pupils will develop a comprehensive understanding of art and design. In Key Stage 1, they will be introduced to the fundamental skills of observational drawing, colour mixing, and simple sculpture. As they progress through Key Stage 2, they will build upon these foundations, exploring more advanced techniques, such as perspective, printmaking, and ceramics.

Alongside the development of practical skills, our pupils will also engage with the rich history and cultural diversity of art. They will study the work of renowned artists, both British and international, and learn to analyse and interpret the meanings and messages conveyed through their creations.

Progression

Our art and design curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils' knowledge and skills develop progressively. Each year, new techniques and concepts are introduced, building upon prior learning and allowing pupils to deepen their understanding. Regular opportunities for retrieval practice and the revisiting of core ideas will help to cement pupils' knowledge and support their long-term retention.

Wider Impact

Through our art and design curriculum, we aim to nurture our pupils' creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. These skills not only enrich their educational experience but also prepare them for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the future. By fostering a love of the visual arts, we hope to inspire our pupils to continue exploring and engaging with art throughout their lives, both as creators and appreciators.