We teach the Art National Curriculum through Cornerstones projects. The projects are smaller units that will often make links with the bigger driving project. The projects are sequenced and there is a clear progression of knowledge and skills of visual elements, art forms, artists and art movements that develops from Nursery through to Year 6. For more inofrmation about what is taught in each year group, please see the year group pages. If you would like more information about the art curriculum then our art leader or a member of the Seniour Leadership team will be able to give you more information. 

In Nursery and Reception art is developed through 'Expressive Arts and Design'. The children have access to activities linked to this in their independent learning time as well as being part of focused teaching activities. During Reception and Nursery, children will have the opportunity to safely explore a wide range of materials, tools, techniques and will start to explore colour. The children are encouraged to talk about their creations and the processes they have used. 

In KS 1 each year group begins with an essential skills and knowledge project - Mixing colours in year 1 and Exploring Colours in Year 2. These projects teach the children about colour mixing and the colour wheel. The children experiment with primary and secondary colours and hues. 

Linked in with other driving projects in Year1, the children explore themes linked to themselves like facial features and the surrounding natural environment in their community. In Year 2 the children build on this knowledge and start looking at a range of artists, artistic movements and creative techniques. 

Lower KS 2 - Year 3 and 4

In LKS 2 they will also start each year with an essential skills unit - Colour Theory in Year 3 and Warm and Cool colours in Year 4. These projects build from the learning that has taken place in KS1 about colour. They will start to explore tertiary, analogous and complementary colours. 

In Year 3 children will develop their experiences further by looking at a broader range of art forms, artists and genres. They will learn about more complex techniques in printmaking, drawing, painting and textiles. The children will look at artwork from different periods of history including prehistoric pottery and Roman mosaics. 

In Year 4 the children will develop more specialised techniques in drawing, painting, paint making and sculpture. The children will also learn about how ancient cultures have influenced art and crafts by looking at medieval weaving techniques and the religious significance of Islamic art.