Art

Art Policy 2025

Art and Design Statement of Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent

At Theydon Bois Primary School, we are committed to providing a high-quality art education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. Our art curriculum is designed to inspire pupils of all ages to engage with and appreciate the world of visual art, develop their artistic skills, and gain a deep understanding of the processes, techniques, and cultural significance of art. This progression is reflected across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1 (KS1), and Key Stage 2 (KS2), ensuring that all children have opportunities to develop their artistic knowledge and skills in a structured and meaningful way.

EYFS:
In the Early Years, art is integrated into the broader curriculum and used as a vehicle for learning across all areas of development. The focus is on exploration and experimentation with different media, developing fine motor skills, and encouraging imaginative play. Through structured and unstructured opportunities, children begin to understand the basic principles of colour, texture, shape, and form.

Pupils will:

Explore materials such as paint, clay, and fabric to create simple representations.
Develop fine motor skills through activities like drawing, cutting, and moulding.
Express ideas and feelings through drawing, painting, and collage.
Begin to understand basic vocabulary related to art, such as colour names, shapes, and materials.

KS1:
In Key Stage 1, the art curriculum builds upon the exploratory experiences of EYFS while introducing more focused teaching of specific skills and techniques. Pupils are encouraged to investigate a range of materials and tools, developing their ability to communicate ideas visually and critically reflect on their work.

Pupils will:

Learn the basics of drawing, painting, printing, and sculpture.
Begin to explore and understand the work of artists, designers, and craftspeople from different cultures and historical periods.
Develop the ability to observe and respond to the world around them through art.
Understand key art concepts such as line, texture, space, and form.

KS2:
In Key Stage 2, the focus is on further developing artistic skills, introducing more complex techniques, and encouraging independent artistic expression. Pupils will have opportunities to explore a variety of styles, mediums, and cultural contexts in greater depth, developing their confidence as artists and critical thinkers.

Pupils will:

Explore more advanced techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art.
Deepen their understanding of art history, learning about key movements, artists, and cultural traditions.
Apply knowledge and understanding of visual language to produce personal, meaningful work.
Develop the ability to critique and evaluate their own work and that of others.

Knowledge Organisers:

To support progression and clarity of knowledge across the art curriculum, each unit of study is underpinned by a Knowledge Organiser. These organisers are carefully designed to outline the key concepts (Big Ideas) for each topic, ensuring that pupils have a clear understanding of the essential knowledge they will acquire. The Knowledge Organisers include:

Key vocabulary related to the topic (e.g., brushwork, contrast, primary colours, perspective).
Core artistic techniques and processes.
Key artists, movements, or cultural references relevant to the topic.
Examples of significant works of art.
Questions and prompts for discussion, reflection, and application of knowledge.

These organisers act as an essential tool to support long-term retention of learning, enabling pupils to recall key facts and concepts as they build their understanding of art over time.

Ofsted
Our approach to art teaching is informed by the most current Ofsted guidelines, which emphasize the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum that fosters deep learning. We prioritize:

Sequencing and Progression: Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that pupils' skills and knowledge build progressively over time, with each year’s learning providing a solid foundation for the next.
Cultural Capital: Through the study of diverse artists, cultural traditions, and global art movements, pupils develop a broad understanding of the world and its visual culture.
Creative Thinking: We encourage pupils to think critically and creatively, exploring different approaches to making art and reflecting on their own ideas and the work of others.
Inclusive Education: Art provides a space where all children can express themselves, regardless of their academic abilities. Every child is encouraged to develop their confidence and pride in their work.

In summary, the art curriculum at Theydon Bois Primary School aims to provide a rich, inclusive, and engaging experience for all pupils, where they can explore and develop their artistic skills and knowledge. By using Knowledge Organisers, we ensure that all learners have access to clear, structured, and high-quality content that promotes both artistic mastery and personal expression.

Implementation

Our art and design curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively across EYFS, KS1, and KS2. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children explore a variety of materials and techniques, developing their fine motor skills and expressing their ideas through creative activities. They are encouraged to experiment and explore colour, texture, and form.

In Key Stage 1 (KS1), pupils begin to develop their understanding of different art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage. They learn about the work of significant artists, crafts people & designers and begin to develop their own artistic skills and techniques. Pupils show development of ideas and their own skills through the use of a sketchbook.

In Key Stage 2 (KS2), pupils' knowledge and skills are broadened and deepened. They explore a wider range of media and techniques, including printing, textiles, and digital art where appropriate and using different tools and media. They learn about the history of art, cultural and religious art and design and develop their critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others.

By the time they leave our school, pupils can think critically and have a rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Knowledge Organizers

Each art and design topic is accompanied by a Knowledge Organiser that outlines the key concepts, vocabulary, techniques, and examples of artists' work. These organisers serve as a valuable tool for pupils to consolidate their learning and for teachers to assess progress. They highlight the Big Ideas for each topic.

Big Ideas

Our art and design curriculum is underpinned by a set of Big Ideas (mood, line and tone, significance and composition) that provide a framework for understanding and engaging with art, craft, and design.

Exploration and Experimentation: Pupils are encouraged to take risks, try new things, and develop their own creative approaches.

Technical Skills: Pupils develop a range of skills and techniques across different art forms.

Knowledge of Artists and Designers: Pupils learn about the work of significant artists, craftspeople, and designers from different periods and cultures.

Critical Thinking: Pupils develop the ability to analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others.

Communication and Expression: Pupils use art and design to communicate their ideas, feelings, and experiences.

Ofsted Guidance

Our art and design curriculum is informed by current Ofsted guidelines, which emphasize the importance of:

A broad and balanced curriculum that provides opportunities for pupils to develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding across a range of art forms.
A well-sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge and skills progressively.
Effective teaching that engages and motivates pupils, fostering a love of art and design.
Assessment that is used to identify gaps in learning and inform future teaching. This includes formative assessment within lessons and the use of the Knowledge Organizers.

Impact

We strive to ensure that our art and design curriculum has a lasting impact on pupils, fostering a lifelong appreciation of art and design. We want our pupils to:

Have a secure knowledge and understanding of different art forms, techniques, and artists.
Be able to express themselves creatively and confidently.
Be able to think critically about art and design.
Have a sense of their own artistic identity.
Be prepared for further study of art and design and related subjects.

We believe that our art and design curriculum provides pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.