Art & Design

Subject lead: Mrs Charley Wright

Our aim is to mould creative, free thinking future citizens who can see the world from a multitude of different perspectives. We aim to instill and inspire curiosity and creativity within our pupils who can then understand and appreciate the rich history and culture within the beautiful world around them. What and how we teach our children equips them with the skills, attitude and resilience of learning that allows them to view society and the wider world around them with tolerance, reflection and the skills to critically solve problems. Why we teach what we teach provides children with a skill set that can be built on in order to create critical thinkers and enable transference to take place.

 

 Our Intent

Vision
At Kilnhurst Primary School, we believe teaching art  is crucial as it nurtures creativity, fosters self-expression, and cultivates critical thinking skills, providing students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional academic subjects. Art education not only enhances cognitive development but also instills a sense of appreciation for diversity, enabling students to explore and understand different perspectives, cultures, and historical periods through the lens of artistic expression. Moreover, engaging in artistic activities promotes emotional intelligence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning, laying the foundation for well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of the modern world with imagination and innovation.

 

Art is deeply intertwined with our PSHE framework, giving children ways to examine who they are, appreciate their surroundings, envision their goals, and engage with the world beyond themselves

 

 Curriculum Structure
Our curriculum is delivered through half-termly units from EYFS to Year 6, each built around 3 areas of Art with multople skills woven throughout

  • Still life

  • Portraiture 

  • Landscapes. 

Each unit includes:

Knowledge organiser

  1. Artist study

  2. Technique Lesson

  3. How do I use the material?

  4. How do I apply this technique to my own subject?

 

 

Art Curriculum 

 

DfE Art and Design Curriculum Key Stage 1 & 2

 

 Artists We Study

Children encounter a diverse range of artists, from classical painters to contemporary muralists, enriching their cultural capital and broadening their understanding of the world. These artists include;

Knowledge and Skills Progression
Our curriculum carefully maps out the progression of:

  • Drawing skills: exploring mark-making, shading, pattern, form, and spatial awareness
  • Painting and colour work: blending, creating tones and shades, using colour to convey emotion
  • Collage and mixed media: combining layers, experimenting with texture, expressing meaning through materials
  • Sculpture: working in two and three dimensions, shaping, joining, and modelling forms
  • Digital art: designing, manipulating images, planning compositions, producing printed or digital pieces
  • Art discussion and critique: observing, interpreting, and reflecting on artwork thoughtfully

 

The Kilnhurst approach  to Art and progression in EYFS

At Kilnhurst Primary, our Nursery and Reception art experiences lay the groundwork for learning in Key Stage 1. Children are introduced to essential skills, ideas, and language that will grow as they progress through school. They explore a variety of materials and techniques, developing confidence and control in their creative work.

Children learn to:

  • Make deliberate marks, building precision in line drawing
  • Mix and combine colours, discovering how primary and secondary colours interact
  • Shape and manipulate materials, moving from playdough to clay
  • Observe and capture the world around them with increasing detail in their drawings
  • Experiment with collage and printing, creating purposeful patterns and layered compositions

Our focus is on the process of making rather than the finished piece. Children are encouraged to explore, take risks, tell stories through their work, and take pride in their creative achievements.

 

In EYFS, children encounter notable artists and illustrators through stories and hands-on creative tasks, inspiring curiosity and a love of art that grows as they move through school. we promote reading through art and allow our children to become illustrators from existing stories.

 

Art progression from EYFS - Year 6

 

 Assessment in Art
We assess children’s progress in Art through:

  • Sketchbooks and completed artworks
  • Oral discussions and reflective conversations
  • Annotated photos and digital records of learning
  • Teacher

We also encourage our children to become critical thinkers and create their own critiques and opinions on art. Subjective at times to encourage free thinking

 

Pupils work
Art at Kilnhurst is not about getting it ‘right’ — it’s about thinking, feeling, experimenting and expressing. Our children’s voices are at the heart of our curriculum design.

Here’s some examples of out pupils art work showcasing their ceativity, values expression, and grows confidence in every child.

 

🎨 Links for families
At Kilnhurst Primary, families can explore fun, free resources at home to inspire creativity and build artistic confidence.

Artful Kids – Creative projects, seasonal activities and playful art ideas for young learners.

Kids Art Spot (free printables & prompts) – Offers imaginative drawing prompts, colouring pages and themed art challenges (membership‑based but useful for inspiration).

Golden Road Arts – Free Art Lessons – Project ideas inspired by well‑known artists like Da Vinci and Kusama, with lessons children can try at home.

NurtureStore – Children’s Art & Craft Activities – Hundreds of easy art and craft activities organised by age, material and technique, ideal for parents and carers.

Muddy Faces – Outdoor & Creative Art Ideas – Outdoor‑friendly art and craft inspiration with links to other creative resources for kids.

I Can Be A – Art Activities & Projects – A curated list of fun art tasks, including classics like Red Ted Art and other simple crafts.

Twinkl Art & Design Home Learning – A host of art activity sheets, famous artist explorations and creative tasks designed for primary children (free and subscription materials).