Art & Design
Why Art Matters
Art gives children a powerful way to explore ideas, communicate and express themselves. It develops creativity, observation, imagination, perseverance and the confidence to experiment. Through studying artists and artworks, children encounter different periods, cultures, traditions and ways of seeing the world. Children learn that becoming an artist involves developing knowledge and skills as well as making creative choices. At Aspin Park, we want every child to develop confidence in creating, responding to and talking about art.
Our Approach to Teaching Art
Our Art curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6 and follows the aims of the National Curriculum.
Children progressively develop their knowledge and practical skills through drawing, painting and sculpture. Techniques and artistic concepts are revisited over time so that children can apply them with increasing control, confidence and independence.
Building Knowledge and Skills
Children learn how artists use elements including line, shape, colour, tone, texture, form, pattern and composition. They are explicitly taught how different materials, tools and techniques can be used to create particular effects.
Children also study carefully selected artists and artworks. They learn about the choices artists make and use what they discover to inform their own work rather than simply copying a finished piece.
Learning in Art
Lessons combine observation, discussion, teacher modelling, experimentation and purposeful creation. Children have opportunities to practise techniques before selecting and applying them within their own artwork.
Sketchbooks are used throughout KS1 and KS2 to explore ideas, record observations, investigate artists, practise techniques and develop and refine work. Children learn that experimenting, changing ideas and improving work are important parts of the artistic process.
Art Beyond the Classroom
Children encounter artwork from different times, places and traditions and are encouraged to notice art, architecture and design in the world around them. Where appropriate, galleries, museums, local heritage and other cultural experiences enrich the curriculum and children's artwork is displayed and celebrated within school.
Supporting Every Child
We want every child to succeed in Art. Teachers adapt tools, materials and approaches where necessary and provide modelling, visual examples and appropriate scaffolding so that all children can participate fully while retaining opportunities for individual creativity and expression.
Find Out More
Our Art Knowledge and Skills Progression shows how artistic knowledge and techniques develop from EYFS to Year 6.
Our Art Long-Term Overview shows the units taught in each year group.
If you would like further information about Art at Aspin Park Academy, please contact admin@aspinparkacademy.org.
Key Documents:
Elevate Curriculum Progression Art
Elevate Design Technology Knowledge and Skills progression