Art and Design
Art and Design at Penwortham Primary School
At Penwortham Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum develops pupils’ creativity alongside a secure understanding of art as a discipline. Pupils learn to generate ideas, develop skills and techniques, and evaluate artwork, building confidence and artistic identity over time.
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced and reflects our school values of Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover, ensuring pupils feel confident to express themselves, respect the work of others and explore creativity with curiosity and ambition.
Intent
Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils:
develop making skills, including control and understanding of formal elements such as line, colour, tone, texture, shape and form
build knowledge of artists, designers and craftspeople, understanding how ideas, materials and processes are developed
learn to generate ideas and develop them purposefully using sketchbooks
gain disciplinary knowledge by learning how to evaluate, analyse and talk about art
develop creativity, resilience and confidence through experimentation and reflection
We aim for pupils to leave primary school with a secure foundation of artistic knowledge and skills, and the confidence to express ideas visually.
Implementation - Our Art and Design Journey
Art and Design learning begins in EYFS, where pupils explore materials, tools and techniques through play, observation and guided experimentation. As pupils progress through school, learning is carefully sequenced so that knowledge and skills are revisited, deepened and applied with increasing independence.
Across the school, pupils develop understanding through the following interconnected strands:
Making skills – drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media and craft
Knowledge of artists – exploring artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures and periods
Generating ideas and using sketchbooks – recording, developing and refining ideas
Evaluating and analysing – reflecting on processes and outcomes using subject-specific vocabulary
These strands work together to help pupils develop their own artistic identity.
How Art and Design Is Taught
Art and Design is taught through structured, practical lessons that balance skill development, creativity and evaluation. Pupils are supported to:
practise and refine techniques using a range of materials and tools
use sketchbooks to record observations, plan ideas and review work
learn how artists develop ideas and make creative choices
evaluate their own work and the work of others, explaining their thinking
Art is taught as a discrete subject and, where appropriate, linked meaningfully to other curriculum areas such as history and geography to provide context and deepen understanding.
Teaching is inclusive and adaptive so that all pupils can access the full curriculum and experience success.
Impact
As a result of our Art and Design curriculum, pupils:
develop secure practical skills and increasing technical control
confidently use artistic vocabulary to discuss processes and outcomes
show creativity, resilience and willingness to experiment
understand how art reflects culture, identity and experience
take pride in their work and value the creative process
Pupils leave Penwortham Primary School as confident, reflective learners who are well prepared for further learning in Art and Design and who value creativity as an important part of life and learning.