Purpose Of Study

At Langold Dyscarr Community School we recognise that art stimulates creativity, innovation and imagination; providing a special way of understanding and responding to the world. It enables our young artists to communicate what they see, think and feel through the use of different mediums and processes.

We wish for all artists to acquire the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own artwork that will positively influence their creative confidence throughout their lives. Informed by an appreciation for and critical analysis of artwork created by great artists that have shaped our history and culture, we aim to give our artists own unique styles a chance to SHINE through opportunities which inspire and challenge them to express their ideas.

INTENT

At Langold Dyscarr Community School, our Art Curriculum is designed to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It is broad, balanced, and fully inclusive, ensuring that every child can access and enjoy meaningful artistic experiences.

Our curriculum aims to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and confidence by providing pupils with opportunities to explore, experiment, and express themselves through a wide range of artistic disciplines. Through a carefully sequenced and progressive lessons, we develop pupils’ knowledge, skills, and appreciation of art and design as both a creative and cultural pursuit.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Pupils embark on a creative journey inspired by their imagination and personal experiences.
• Children are encouraged to safely explore and experiment with a variety of materials, tools, and techniques, investigating the formal elements of art to create unique and expressive pieces both indoors and outdoors.
• Our youngest artists are introduced to the work of significant artists, discussing their opinions and beginning to articulate how art makes them feel and think.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

• Pupils develop competence and control in using materials and tools, acquiring a progressive understanding of key skills across the disciplines of drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, collage, and textiles. They also deepen their awareness of the visual and tactile elements of art.
• Pupils create individual, expressive pieces, applying taught skills through imagination, observation, and first-hand experience to communicate personal thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
• Pupils are encouraged to take increasing creative ownership of their work, using personal sketchbooks to practice techniques, experiment with ideas, take risks, and reflect on their artistic growth throughout the making process.
• Through exposure to a diverse range of artists, designers, and craftspeople, pupils develop an appreciation and understanding of art created across different times, cultures, and traditions, recognising its purpose and impact.
• Pupils build confidence, resilience, and perseverance through reflective discussions and kind, specific, and helpful critique, fostering positive attitudes towards their own and others’ artistic abilities.

IMPLEMENTATION

• To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in art, we implement a curriculum that is progressive, inclusive, and experience-rich throughout the school. Art is taught as part of termly curriculum themes, with a clear focus on the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Each year group uses our KUSP ladders to set out a clear progression of skills and knowledge. These ladders, alongside lesson planning created by our Art lead with staff, ensure that learning builds coherently over time. The facilitation of key concepts helps pupils to conceptualise and connect their art knowledge, developing a deep understanding of art as they move through their experiential creative journey. By explicitly showing pupils how and why these interconnecting concepts are relevant to their work, we promote deeper learning, understanding, and enjoyment of art.
• Teachers deliver a blend of structured, teacher-led sessions and creative, child-led activities. This balance provides pupils with the essential building blocks to produce an individual final piece at the end of each art project, applying taught skills in ways that reflect their own creative ideas, emotions, and artistic choices.
• In the Early Years, pupils are provided with opportunities to explore a wide variety of materials and tools freely, both indoors and outdoors, developing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in their use.
• Cross-curricular opportunities are identified to support the development of fine and gross motor skills, enabling pupils to use a range of tools competently, safely, and confidently.
• Through the exploration of art from a wide range of cultures and traditions, pupils develop a deep appreciation and love of art, nurturing respect and curiosity for diversity in artistic expression.
• Pupils are encouraged to contribute to and participate in community events, fostering pride, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
• Teachers model kind, specific, and helpful feedback, creating open dialogue about feelings surrounding critique and promoting constructive peer feedback.
• Pupils’ artwork is celebrated and showcased around school and shared with the wider community through our school website, X feed, and Class Dojo pages, reflecting the value we place on creativity and achievement.
• A team of Art Ambassadors and Create Champions. 
• Ongoing professional development (CPD) opportunities are identified for staff to continuously refine subject knowledge, pedagogical skills, and confidence in delivering high-quality art lessons.

IMPACT

Our Art Curriculum is carefully designed, sequenced, and implemented to ensure clear progression in both knowledge and skills. Pupils develop a coherent understanding of artistic concepts, alongside the progressive use of subject-specific vocabulary, which is embedded within each unit of work.

We measure the impact of our curriculum through a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches, ensuring that the development of each pupil as a creative and confident artist is recognised and celebrated. We evaluate impact through:

• Pupil voice and discussion in lessons– pupils are encouraged to talk confidently about their learning, articulating their understanding of artistic techniques, materials, and key concepts.
• Visual evidence – photographs and sketchbooks showing of pupils’ practical work are collected and shared to capture their creative process, experimentation, and final outcomes.