At Sir John Heron Primary School, we aim to give children access to a coherently sequenced art curriculum where all pupils produce creative, imaginative work and the visual elements of art (line, tone, texture colour, pattern, shape).  Cultural diversity is celebrated through our art and the artists that are studied and children are encouraged to share their own artistic preferences. From the start of their educational experience at Sir John Heron, in the early years, children explore art by using different media and materials as part of their learning through expressive arts and design. From an early age, children are encouraged to explore and take risks with art. Children are provided with opportunities to discover different materials, methods and skills within the classroom. Mistakes are seen as stepping stones to improvements in work and not as a setback. The aims of art are to develop the creativity, imagination, knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.

Art and design is taught in half termly blocks from Years 1 to 6. 

The objectives follow that of the National Curriculum objectives set out for KS1 and KS2. Topics have been sequenced and mapped out carefully for all year groups to ensure that the skills and knowledge acquired is progressive. Medium term plans for each year group have been created by the Leader of Learning as a guide for teachers to follow. Teachers also assess art and design by looking at what skills the children have acquired through the work produced. The assessment of art is a continual and gradual process. Each teacher assesses children’s understanding at the start of a topic through the use of a KWL grid. Children assess their own learning by stating what they already know about that particular topic, along with what they would like to learn. By the end of the topic block, children revisit their KWL grids to state what they have learnt. This supports the long term memory of children to better encode their learning. 

Children develop a wide range of artistic skills through the topics studied, based on clear progression through the key stages. At Sir John Heron, we celebrate and display work in order to create a stimulating and visual learning environment. Our art curriculum enables pupils to develop the love of a subject that is both intellectually challenging and creatively demanding. Art is seen as the outlet for developing imagination, creativity and self-expression. By the time a Sir John Heron pupil leaves, ready for secondary school, they will be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design and know how art both reflect and shape our history and culture. Children will foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts and knowledge of artists, craftspeople and designers. By the end of Year 6, pupils become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. We hope to, following the famous words of Picasso – ‘Every Child is an Artist’, instil confidence in the creative ability of every child.