Art and Design

Our Vision

At Weston Village Primary School, we believe art is for everyone. Art and Design plays a vital role in our broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum. It allows our pupils to express themselves creatively, build confidence, and develop key life skills like problem-solving and perseverance. Whether sketching from observation, experimenting with sculpture, or exploring colour and texture, our pupils become imaginative, reflective, and curious learners.

Our approach to art empowers every child to Be the Best They Can Be, in line with our Secrets of Success ethos. Through carefully sequenced learning and inspiring opportunities, we nurture a love of art that stays with our children long after they leave Weston.

Intent

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and resilience. We aim to equip all children with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent, and create their own works of art, craft, and design. Our curriculum:

• Builds proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms.

• Introduces children to great artists, designers, and architects, both historical and contemporary.

• Encourages children to critically evaluate their own work and that of others.

• Celebrates diversity through a wide range of cultural and artistic traditions.

We place inclusion at the heart of our curriculum. Every child, regardless of their needs or background, accesses a rich and supportive art education. We make adaptations where needed and celebrate all forms of artistic expression.

Implementation

Art and Design is taught discreetly each term, with every child engaging in a progressive and inspiring curriculum that develops their artistic skills and understanding over time. We follow a well-structured scheme that ensures clear progression from Early Years through to Year 6.

Our curriculum covers:

• Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture: Core artistic skills developed through exploration and practice.

• Printing, Collage, and Textiles: Allowing children to explore a wide range of media.

• Art History and Artist Study: Children learn about artists, architects, and designers across time and cultures.

• Sketchbooks: From KS2, children use sketchbooks to record their ideas, practise techniques, and reflect on their learning journey.

We make full use of our skilled teaching staff, engaging resources, and specialist tools. Our learning environment encourages experimentation and values the creative process as much as the final product.

Our Curriculum in Action

• EYFS (Sparrows): Children explore colour, texture, and materials through hands-on experiences. They develop fine motor skills, practise observational drawing, and experiment with collage, sculpture, and printing.

• Key Stage 1: Pupils build on their early skills, creating portraits, sculptures, and textiles. They explore famous artists like Picasso, Klee, and Warhol and begin to develop their own artistic voices.

• Lower Key Stage 2: Pupils use sketchbooks to refine skills and techniques. They study British and European artists, experiment with sculpture and design, and develop sophisticated printing and collage work.

• Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils explore global art themes, from Ancient Egypt to South America, combining techniques in complex and meaningful ways. They use sketchbooks to evaluate and refine ideas, working independently and collaboratively on ambitious projects.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

Art at Weston is not confined to the classroom. We provide:

• Regular opportunities to take part in competitions and exhibitions.

• Visits to museums and galleries.

• Workshops with local artists and craftspeople.

• Outdoor art opportunities in our Forest School and wider community.

• Whole-school art projects and installations.

Children are encouraged to take risks, try new techniques, and display their work with pride. Our curriculum is further enriched by educational visits and participation in themed weeks and arts festivals.

Impact

We measure the impact of our Art and Design curriculum by:

• Monitoring sketchbooks and pupil outcomes through work scrutiny.

• Pupil voice activities and ambassador feedback.

• Termly assessments by class teachers and subject leads.

• Celebrations of learning through exhibitions and displays across the school.

Our children leave Weston Village Primary School as confident, enthusiastic artists who are reflective, resilient, and creative. They are well-prepared to continue their artistic journeys in secondary school and beyond.

Inclusion

Art is a universal language. At Weston, we ensure every child, including those with SEND, can fully participate in and enjoy art lessons. We provide differentiated resources, additional support, and adapted tasks where appropriate. Our inclusive approach recognises and celebrates diversity, allowing all children to flourish as artists.

Pupil Voice

“I love drawing in my sketchbook because I can look back and see how much I’ve improved.” – Year 3 pupil
“Learning about different artists makes me think about the world in new ways.” – Year 5 pupil
“Art helps me relax and be myself.” – Year 6 pupil

Subject Leadership

Our Art and Design Lead, Miss Griffiths, is passionate about developing high-quality, inspiring art provision at Weston. She ensures staff have access to quality CPD and resources, monitors curriculum delivery, and works with pupils to develop their artistic skills and knowledge.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our:

• Art and Design Policy

• Art and Design Long Term Plan

Next Steps

If you’re a parent or carer and would like to get involved in our art activities—whether it’s helping with projects, running a workshop, or coming to see an exhibition—please get in touch!