Intent

At Our Lady and St Philomena’s Catholic Primary School, we want every child to see themselves as an artist. Our curriculum develops creativity, practical skills and the confidence to express ideas. Children explore artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and backgrounds, valuing both their own identities and the experiences of others.

Implementation

We use Kapow’s condensed pathway, adapted to our school’s curriculum, with three art blocks each year alternating with Design and Technology. Learning builds from exploration in EYFS towards increasingly skilled and independent work. Children revisit and develop techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture and craft, using sketchbooks to explore, practise and refine ideas. Explicit vocabulary teaching and discussion help pupils explain their choices and respond thoughtfully to artwork. Modelling and practical support enable all pupils, including those with SEND or learning English, to participate with ambition.

Impact

We aim for children to leave us as confident, thoughtful artists who experiment, make purposeful choices and improve their work. We evaluate progress through sketchbooks, practical outcomes and conversations, looking at what pupils know, can do and explain. We value the creative process alongside the finished piece, recognising each child’s developing skill and individual expression.

Art and Design Curriculum Documents