Intent

At Barford Primary School, our Art & Design curriculum is ambitious, creative and knowledge-rich, enabling every pupil to express themselves confidently while developing the knowledge and skills of an artist. Following the CUSP Art & Design curriculum, pupils progressively build their understanding of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, collage and mixed media through carefully sequenced learning from the Early Years to Year 6.

Our curriculum develops both substantive knowledge (the artistic knowledge pupils learn about artists, materials, techniques and styles) and disciplinary knowledge (the practical skills and creative processes artists use to produce and evaluate artwork). Pupils explore the work of a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures and historical periods, developing an appreciation of how art reflects and shapes society.

Artistic vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout every unit, enabling pupils to confidently discuss techniques, materials and artistic choices. We aim to nurture creative, resilient and reflective learners who appreciate the value of art and understand its importance within culture, history and the wider world.

Implementation

Art & Design is taught through the carefully sequenced CUSP Art & Design curriculum, ensuring knowledge and practical skills build progressively throughout the primary years. Each block revisits previously taught techniques while introducing new knowledge, allowing pupils to strengthen existing skills before applying them in increasingly sophisticated ways.

Every unit introduces pupils to a significant artist, designer or craftsperson, enabling them to study a wide range of artistic styles, cultures and periods. Photographs of each featured artist are displayed throughout the unit, helping pupils make meaningful connections between the individual and their work while recognising that artists are real people whose creativity has influenced the world.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils progressively develop their understanding of drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, collage and mixed media. Skills are carefully sequenced so that new techniques build directly upon prior learning, allowing pupils to become increasingly confident and independent artists.

Artistic vocabulary is explicitly taught in every lesson. Pupils learn the correct names for artistic techniques, materials and equipment, including the different parts of a paintbrush, enabling them to communicate their ideas with confidence and precision while developing a strong understanding of artistic language.

Teachers model techniques carefully before pupils practise, experiment and refine their own ideas. Children are encouraged to evaluate both their own work and the work of others, developing resilience and confidence while understanding that art is a creative process involving experimentation, reflection and improvement.

Adaptations are carefully planned to ensure every pupil can fully access the curriculum. For example, pupils with sensory needs may have paper wrapped around crayons or chalk to reduce sensory overstimulation, while additional resources, adapted tools and individual support enable all children to participate successfully without reducing ambition.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Barford Primary School, they possess a secure understanding of artistic techniques, materials and processes alongside the confidence to express their own ideas creatively. They understand how artists develop their work through experimentation, reflection and refinement and can discuss artwork using precise artistic vocabulary.

Pupils appreciate the contribution of artists from different cultures and historical periods while developing resilience, creativity and independence. They leave Barford Primary School as confident, knowledgeable young artists who are exceptionally well prepared for secondary Art & Design and equipped with a lifelong appreciation of creativity.

Art in Action

Art is celebrated throughout Barford Primary School and is viewed as a powerful form of creativity, expression and communication.

Every classroom provides opportunities for pupils to experiment with a range of artistic media, refine techniques and produce high-quality outcomes. Pupils are encouraged to take creative risks, evaluate their work and celebrate both individual achievement and collaborative projects.

Displays across the school celebrate the artistic journey as well as the final outcome, demonstrating the progression of skills and encouraging pupils to take pride in their work.

Enrichment

We believe the most inspiring artistic experiences come from working alongside practising artists and experiencing creativity beyond the classroom. Our enrichment opportunities are carefully planned to broaden pupils' cultural understanding while bringing the curriculum to life.

Visiting Artists

Pupils have the opportunity to work alongside local artists, including Bethany Walker, who has collaborated with every year group to produce artwork inspired by the ceramic artist Kimmy Cantrell. Through these workshops, pupils experience professional artistic techniques, develop confidence in expressing their own ideas and gain a deeper appreciation of contemporary art.

Studying Great Artists

Each curriculum block introduces pupils to a new artist, designer or craftsperson. Photographs of the featured artist are displayed throughout the unit so pupils can make meaningful connections between the individual and their work. For example, Year 2 study the intricate illustrations of Beth Krommes, using her work to inspire their own creative outcomes while developing new artistic techniques.

This carefully sequenced approach broadens pupils' cultural capital and helps them understand how artists from different backgrounds, time periods and cultures have influenced the world of art.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Creativity continues beyond the school day through our Arts and Crafts Club, where pupils explore a wide range of artistic techniques, experiment with different materials and develop their creativity in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

These enrichment opportunities encourage pupils to see themselves as artists, inspiring creativity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts.

Curriculum End Goals

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

By the end of Reception, children will confidently explore a range of materials, tools and techniques to create their own artwork. They will experiment with colour, texture, pattern, shape and form while talking about their creations and developing fine motor control. Children will begin to express their own ideas creatively, providing strong foundations for Key Stage 1 Art & Design.

Key Stage 1

By the end of Key Stage 1, pupils will confidently use a range of drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and printing techniques. They will explore the work of significant artists, describe similarities and differences between artworks and use artistic vocabulary to explain their own creative choices. Pupils will experiment with materials confidently while developing increasing control and precision.

Key Stage 2

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed a secure understanding of artistic techniques, materials and processes through the progressive CUSP Art & Design curriculum. They will confidently apply drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles and mixed media techniques to create purposeful outcomes inspired by a wide range of artists, designers and craftspeople. Pupils will evaluate, refine and improve their work using precise artistic vocabulary and demonstrate creativity, resilience and independence throughout the artistic process. They leave Barford Primary School as knowledgeable, skilled and confident young artists who are exceptionally well prepared for the creative opportunities and disciplinary study of Art & Design at secondary school.