Art and Design at The Hayes Primary School

At The Hayes Primary School, Art and Design is a vital part of our broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that reflects our school vision and values. We believe that every child is an artist and designer, capable of creativity, curiosity and original thought. Through high quality Art and Design education, pupils are encouraged to explore ideas, express themselves confidently and develop a lifelong appreciation of creativity in the world around them. Our curriculum nurtures imagination, resilience and reflection, enabling children to communicate meaning, celebrate diversity and understand the value of art and design across cultures, history and modern creative industries.

Intent

The intent of Art and Design at The Hayes Primary School is to inspire all children to think creatively and develop confidence in their ability to express ideas through visual and tactile media. We aim for children to think and work like artists and designers by experimenting, taking creative risks and reflecting on their own work and that of others.  Through Art and Design, they are able to develop their imagination and freedom of expression.

We promote an appreciation of art as a powerful form of human expression, enabling pupils to understand its role within different cultures, historical periods and creative industries. Through exposure to a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers, pupils develop cultural capital, critical thinking skills and respect for differing perspectives. Our inclusive curriculum ensures that all learners, including those with SEND, can access, enjoy and succeed in Art and Design.

Implementation

Art and Design is taught regularly across all year groups, with learning carefully planned to build upon prior knowledge and skills. Pupils are provided with frequent opportunities to explore, create and evaluate using a wide variety of media, techniques and materials. Teaching includes demonstration, exploration, discussion and reflection to support all learning styles.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in both skills and knowledge across year groups. Pupils are taught the formal elements of art:  line, shape, tone, texture, pattern and colour, alongside topic-related techniques and processes. They are given opportunities to explore a wide range of media and materials, building technical competence while developing their own personal style.

Sketchbooks are used consistently throughout the school and serve as a working document where pupils can experiment, build upon and practise skills, record ideas and reflect on their creative journey. As pupils progress through the school, they develop increasing independence and are encouraged to analyse techniques, evaluate outcomes and critique their own work and that of others, including renowned artists and designers.

Links are made across the wider curriculum where appropriate to deepen understanding and enhance creativity. Teaching is adaptive and inclusive, ensuring learning is accessible to all pupils. Enrichment opportunities such as displays, themed projects and creative experiences further enhance pupils’ engagement and enjoyment of the subject.

Impact

The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is evident in the confidence, creativity and pride pupils show in their work. Children at The Hayes Primary School develop strong technical skills, a secure understanding of artistic processes and the ability to articulate their ideas and opinions thoughtfully. They leave with a positive attitude towards creativity and an appreciation of art’s role in shaping identity, culture and the wider world.

Pupils’ work is celebrated and displayed throughout the school, reinforcing the value we place on creativity and self-expression. Through pupil voice, we know that Art and Design supports wellbeing, builds confidence and allows children to develop a sense of self-expression and individual identity.

Assessment, observation and reflection are integral to monitoring progress and ensuring pupils retain key knowledge and skills over time. Evidence of learning can be seen in sketchbooks, displays and classroom practice, demonstrating clear progression across year groups and between key stages. Ultimately, our Art and Design curriculum equips pupils with transferable skills such as creativity, resilience, reflection, critical thinking and problem-solving that will support them throughout their education and beyond.

How Art and Design is taught throughout the school (Curriculum Mapping)