At Newton Burgoland, we believe that art, craft and design are among the highest forms of human creativity. Our art curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge all learners, enabling them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to experiment, invent and create their own unique works of art.

Through a broad and exciting range of artistic experiences, pupils explore drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, printing and digital media. They learn about the work of significant artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures, times and traditions, developing an appreciation of the rich diversity of human creativity.

Progression in Art and Design

Our carefully sequenced Art and Design curriculum enables children to develop their creativity, knowledge and artistic skills progressively from Early Years through to Year 6. Pupils explore a wide range of media, techniques and processes, building confidence in their ability to express ideas, experiment with materials and create original artwork.

Throughout their time at Newton Burgoland, children develop their understanding within four key areas:

• Generating Ideas – observing, imagining, designing and developing creative responses.

• Making Skills – learning and applying techniques using a range of materials and tools.

• Knowledge of Artists and Designers – studying diverse artists, craftspeople and designers to inspire and inform their own work.

• Evaluating and Developing Work – reflecting on artistic choices and refining outcomes.

As pupils progress through the school, they learn to:

• Draw with increasing accuracy, control and confidence.

• Experiment with colour, pattern, texture, line, shape and form.

• Use a variety of materials including paint, pencil, charcoal, clay, textiles and digital media.

• Develop practical skills in printing, sculpture, collage and mixed media.

• Explore and respond to the work of significant artists, designers and craftspeople from different times and cultures.

• Discuss, evaluate and analyse artwork using increasingly sophisticated artistic vocabulary.

• Reflect on and improve their own work and the work of others.

Children are encouraged to take creative risks, explore new ideas and understand that art is a process of experimentation, reflection and growth. Through regular opportunities to create, evaluate and refine their work, pupils develop resilience, imagination and confidence as young artists.

By the end of Year 6, our learners leave Newton Burgoland with a rich understanding of art and design, an appreciation of creativity in all its forms, and the skills to communicate their ideas visually with independence, originality and pride.

Developing STRIDE Through Art and Design

Art and Design provides powerful opportunities for children to develop the STRIDE characteristics that lie at the heart of our vision for education at Newton Burgoland Primary School. Through exploration, experimentation and self-expression, pupils develop not only artistic skills but also the personal qualities that help them thrive in school and beyond.

Scholarship is developed as children study a wide range of artists, craftspeople and designers from different periods, cultures and traditions. Pupils learn to analyse techniques, understand artistic movements and use subject-specific vocabulary to discuss and evaluate creative work.

Teamwork is fostered through collaborative projects, shared exhibitions and group discussions where children learn to listen to others, share ideas and work together towards a common creative outcome.

Resilience grows as pupils learn that art is a process of experimentation, practice and refinement. They are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes and persevere when developing and improving their work.

Independence is promoted by giving children opportunities to make creative choices, explore materials and techniques, and develop their own artistic style and voice. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their ideas and express themselves with confidence.

Diversity and Respect are embedded throughout the curriculum as children explore artwork from a wide range of cultures, faiths, backgrounds and historical periods. They learn to appreciate different perspectives, celebrate diversity and respect the creative contributions of others.

Enquiry is at the heart of artistic learning. Children ask questions, investigate materials, explore techniques and evaluate the work of artists and designers to deepen their understanding and inform their own creations. Creativity and Curiosity flourish as pupils experiment with materials, explore new ideas and use their imagination to solve creative challenges. Children are encouraged to be inventive, original and courageous in their artistic thinking.

Through Art and Design, pupils learn that creativity is not about achieving perfection but about exploration, expression and growth. As they progress through the school, they develop the confidence to think differently, communicate visually and contribute creatively to the world around them, embodying the STRIDE characteristics in all aspects of their learning.