Intent

At St Mary’s, we believe that Art is a vital part of a well-rounded, creative education. Our curriculum is designed to inspire, engage and challenge pupils by introducing them to a rich and diverse range of techniques, materials, and artistic traditions. Through exposure to the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from different times, cultures and backgrounds, children are encouraged to be curious, respectful and reflective.

We aim to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to experiment, explore, take risks and create. Art is a journey of discovery and self-expression that supports each child to aspire, flourish, and shine their light as individuals and as members of a creative community.

Implementation

Art is taught through three key strands:

• Painting
• 3D Shape and Form
• Surface Pattern and Print

All of these are underpinned by a strong emphasis on drawing and sketchbook work.

Our curriculum is delivered through half-termly learning journeys, alternating with Design and Technology, with three focused Art projects taught across the academic year. Each learning journey begins with the study of an artist, craftsperson or designer whose work is selected to inspire imagination, creativity, and thoughtful discussion. These artists are drawn from a diverse and inclusive range of backgrounds and may link with wider topics in history, science or geography, enriching cross-curricular understanding.

Children begin by imitating techniques and styles from the featured artist, building their skills step by step. Once confident, they innovate—creating personal responses that reflect their learning, ideas and emotions. This structure supports all learners in developing their artistic voice while building technical skill and creative resilience.

Pupils are also supported to evaluate their own work and that of others, considering what went well and how improvements could be made. This reflective process encourages a growth mindset and values artistic thinking as part of their broader development.

At St Mary’s, we are committed to enriching our pupil’s cultural capital through a vibrant and inspiring Art curriculum. Each year, during the spring term, we hold a whole-school Art Week. This exciting event centres around the Take One Picture project, led by the National Gallery, which encourages children to explore and respond to a single piece of artwork in imaginative and meaningful ways. As part of the week, we invite a local artist into school to lead workshops with all year groups. These sessions give pupils the opportunity to experiment with new materials and techniques, while also gaining insight into artistic careers and creative industries.

Pupils also have the chance to take part in school-wide exhibitions, where we proudly showcase both our collaborative Art Week projects and the outcomes of individual curriculum learning journeys. These experiences not only deepen artistic understanding but help pupils develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at St Mary’s will have developed:

• A secure understanding of a wide range of artistic techniques and materials.
• The ability to explore and express ideas confidently through different media.
• An appreciation of art from a range of times and cultures.
• A personal connection to their own creativity and a positive attitude toward art

Pupil voice is used to reflect on learning journeys, offering insight into pupils’ engagement, enthusiasm and ability to express themselves. These conversations help to ensure our curriculum continues to inspire curiosity and a love of art.