Curriculum Intent
At Hambrough Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum aims to stimulate creativity and imagination and provide pupils with meaningful opportunities to express what they see, feel and think about the world around them. We recognise that Art and Design offers powerful visual, tactile and sensory experiences and plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ personal, cultural and creative development.
From the Early Years Foundation Stage, children are encouraged to explore materials, experiment freely and communicate ideas through creative play, developing the foundations for artistic expression and confidence.
Across the school, our intent is for pupils to be empowered to communicate ideas through the purposeful use of colour, texture, form, pattern and a range of materials and processes. We want pupils to develop the ability to make informed judgements, as well as aesthetic and practical decisions, as artists and designers.
Through exposure to a wide range of artists, designers and artisans, pupils gain inspiration, learn techniques and develop an understanding of the roles and functions of art across different periods, cultures and contemporary life. Our curriculum is designed to build secure knowledge, skills and vocabulary over time, enabling pupils to think, talk and work like artists.
Curriculum Implementation
In EYFS, Art and Design is delivered through Expressive Arts and Design, where children explore media and materials through continuous provision and adult‑guided experiences. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, sensory exploration and talking about their creations, laying the groundwork for later artistic learning.
From Key Stage 1 onwards, the Art and Design curriculum is delivered through a carefully sequenced programme that allows pupils to progressively develop disciplinary skills, including:
- Exploring and developing ideas
- Investigating and making
- Evaluating and reflecting
- Developing knowledge and understanding
- Communicating as an artist
Learning is structured to support long‑term retention through clearly defined categories of knowledge, which help pupils build and connect schemas over time:
- Media and materials
- Techniques
- Effects
- Colour theory
- Emotions
- Artists and artisans
- Styles and periods
- Visual language
- Artistic processes
Pupils regularly experiment with materials, practise techniques, study the work of artists and evaluate outcomes using appropriate vocabulary. Teaching promotes curiosity, creativity and reflection, with adults modelling skills and supporting pupils to refine and improve their work.
Curriculum Impact
By the end of EYFS, children are confident to explore materials, express ideas creatively and talk about their work, providing a strong foundation for future learning in Art and Design.
As pupils progress through the school, they develop the confidence, knowledge and skills to express themselves creatively and thoughtfully. They are able to communicate ideas visually, make informed artistic choices and evaluate work using appropriate language.
Pupils develop an understanding of how art and design has shaped, and continues to shape, cultures, communities and contemporary life. They demonstrate resilience, creativity and pride in their work and leave Hambrough Primary School prepared for the next stage of their education with a secure foundation in artistic skills, cultural awareness and creative thinking.
Click here to view our Art and Design subject overview