At St. Helen’s we believe that art and design are key ingredients in a well-rounded and exciting curriculum. We intend to offer high quality art and design education which inspires our children to explore how art represents historical and cultural diversity. Children are taught the practical and theoretical knowledge of art and they develop their learning through experimentation with a range of techniques and media, inspired by the work of famous artists.

In order to implement this, we follow the National Curriculum and link topics to ensure a well-structured approach to this creative subject. Our skills progression document aims to give guidance on the progression of art knowledge, skills, techniques and vocabulary across the year groups and aids planning. Children are encouraged to record independently and freely in their sketchbooks as well as be encouraged to experiment with and use materials and media of their own choice. Children’s increasing critical thinking and in-depth evaluation of their own and others’ artwork is reflected in their sketch books and the works of art they create with increasing confidence and independence of thought. The work of famous local, national and international artists through time are explored to enhance the children’s learning.

The impact of this will be measured by the children making progress through our objectives on Arbor. Our curriculum promotes curiosity and inclusivity by encouraging all children to explore, question and express their own ideas, while valuing diverse cultures, perspectives and artistic traditions within art and design.