Art

At Queensgate Primary School, our Art curriculum is designed to nurture children’s creativity and develop the artistic skills and knowledge they need to express themselves confidently in today’s world. From exploring a wide range of materials and techniques to studying the work of diverse artists, our lessons provide a balanced mix of practical and theoretical learning. We focus not only on developing technical skills but also on encouraging imagination, self-expression, and critical thinking. With access to quality resources and specialist teaching, pupils build confidence in experimenting, reflecting, and collaborating—skills that are essential for their future learning and everyday life.

A Message from Miss Stone, our Art Subject Leader

Art and Design at Queensgate gives children the freedom to explore their creativity while learning about famous artists and different styles.   Children are encouraged to develop their own ideas in sketchbooks and through practical sessions as well as learn new skills and techniques. 

Intent

At Queensgate we know that Art and Design stimulates imagination and creativity. We aim to provide an Art and Design Curriculum that builds on a child’s early creative experiences whilst enabling them to express themselves in a practical and inspiring way. Children will learn a wide range of Art and Craft that will develop the children’s passion and love of the subject. We encourage children to build knowledge and appreciation of all forms of art with hopes to building an understanding and respect of how the subject has shaped the world in which we live. Children will be involved in experimenting with visual, sensory and tactile media and will build on appropriate vocabulary to communicate what they see, think and feel regardless of ability.

Implementation

The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum at Queensgate Foundation Primary are planned by teachers and monitored and supported by the Art Lead. The long-term plan focuses on a skills-based art curriculum; drawing, painting, printing, collage, sculpture and textiles; to ensure children can build on essential skills for developing creative methods of working. Children are encouraged to express their creative imagination and develop confidence with communicating their own ideas using appropriate vocabulary. We link projects to a variety of artists and designers; historical, modern, local or from different cultures; this broadens and enriches the learners understanding of how art has contributed to culture, communities and history.

In KS1 and KS2, each year group is required to complete at least three Art projects each academic year. These projects would often be a sequence of lessons which include research, learning new skills or developing on previous ones, an opportunity to respond to ideas of their own and others and evidence of reflection in their own words.

In EYFS the children have daily access to a variety of media and materials which they can explore to produce their own creative work. Provision is carefully planned to suit the interests of the children, whilst developing the necessary skills they are working on. Each term EYFS children have an ‘Art Day’ where their creative exploration is themed to an artist or art movement.

As a school we enjoy working with local artists, craft makers and arts organisations. Children have represented the school in various exhibitions and projects. We believe it is important for children to collaborate with outside bodies which highlight the importance of our own community, history and environment.

Impact

By the end of each Key Stage, all children would have experienced a variety of art sessions carefully planned to enthuse and inspire everyone. Each child will be able to apply and understand the skills, knowledge and processes they have been taught so that they are proficient in drawing, painting and other art, craft, and design techniques. Teachers use summative assessments to record the progress and attainment against the National Curriculum expectations. This information is used to inform future lessons; ensuring children are always supported and challenged appropriately. We aim for pupils to leave Queensgate Primary with a good knowledge of skills and understanding of how important art and design is. We want children to be able to express themselves confidently, to be proud of their own identity and to be respectful of ideas and differences of others.