Art
At our school, we follow the AccessArt Primary Art Curriculum, which is designed to inspire every child to think, create and express themselves with confidence. The curriculum provides a rich, hands-on experience where children explore a wide range of materials, techniques and artists, building their creativity step by step from Early Years to Year 6.
Our teaching is guided by the National Curriculum for Art and Design (2014), which aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
- Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
- Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
- Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
Through AccessArt, pupils learn to experiment, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice. Lessons encourage children to notice detail, reflect on their work and celebrate individuality. Art is not just about producing a finished piece — it’s about the process, imagination and personal expression that happen along the way.
Celebrating Creativity
We love to celebrate our children’s creativity through school displays, exhibitions and assemblies. These moments give pupils the chance to share their achievements, talk about their inspirations and feel proud of what they’ve created.
Through our Art and Design curriculum, children learn to think like artists — curious, expressive, reflective and brave. By combining the AccessArt curriculum with our REACH values and Learning for Life skills, we aim to nurture creative thinkers who can see the beauty and possibility in the world around them.
REACH and Learning for Life
Our REACH values — Respect, Equality, Aspiration, Community and Harmony — are at the heart of our art lessons. Children learn to respect their own work and the work of others, show equality through collaboration and inclusion, and take aspiration in striving for their personal best. Art also helps children feel a strong sense of community and harmony as they share ideas and work together on creative projects.
Our Learning for Life skills — Noticing, Thinking, Speaking and Listening, Teamwork and Perseverance — are woven throughout the AccessArt approach. Whether observing patterns in nature, discussing creative choices, working as part of a group, or persevering through a tricky technique, children build skills that reach far beyond the art room.
To find out more about the AccessArt Primary Curriculum, please visit the AccessArt website.
