Art & Design
At Woodsetts Primary School, we celebrate the journey of creativity and discovery. We nurture imaginative thinking and original ideas, encouraging our children to express themselves freely while honing their skills with care and precision. This approach aligns with our vision of "WE CARE," fostering an environment where children show respect and kindness to one another and the world around them.
Our Art&Design Subject Leader is: Mrs Ross
Intent for Art
At Woodsetts Primary School, we believe that the teaching and learning of art are vital for nurturing creativity, imagination, and inventiveness. Our art curriculum begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where children first explore colour, texture, and form through hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity. As they progress through school, this foundation is built upon, developing their skills, concepts, and knowledge to express and respond to ideas and experiences in increasingly sophisticated ways.
Art sparks imagination, encourages personal expression, and empowers children to communicate their thoughts and feelings through colour, texture, pattern, and material processes. Throughout their journey at Woodsetts, children explore ideas and meanings inspired by the work of artists and designers, integrating art with other areas of the curriculum to deepen their understanding and provide context, whether historical, cultural, or scientific.
By the time our children are ready for secondary school, they have a strong repertoire of artistic techniques, a confident ability to express their ideas visually, and a critical understanding of art's role in reflecting and shaping the world. Art at Woodsetts is more than just creativity—it is a platform for self-expression, critical thinking, and thoughtful debate, preparing our pupils to thrive in their next stage of learning and beyond.
Implementation of our art curriculum
At Woodsetts Primary School, our art curriculum is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, foster imagination, and build essential artistic skills from the very beginning of a child’s educational journey in EYFS through to their preparation for secondary school. Rooted in our vision of CARE, we aim to cultivate a love for the arts, enabling children to express themselves confidently and meaningfully.
Our approach integrates hands-on experiences and skill-building activities that allow children to explore the roles and purposes of art across times and cultures. Art lessons are carefully planned to connect with other areas of the curriculum, such as geography, history, English, and PSHE, enriching students' understanding and creating memorable, meaningful learning experiences.
Central to our art curriculum are four key concepts: Artists and Designers, Exploring and Developing Concepts, Creating, and Evaluating. These concepts provide a framework for children to engage deeply with art, helping them to develop their technical skills, express themselves creatively, and critically reflect on their work and the works of others. By emphasizing these core ideas, we nurture well-rounded artists who are equipped to think creatively and analytically.
To ensure a consistent and high-quality approach across all year groups, our teachers are supported with skills progressions, vocabulary progressions, theme overviews, and comprehensive unit plans. These resources outline key skills, concepts, and knowledge for each phase, enabling teachers to deliver well-structured lessons that build on prior learning and prepare children for future stages. Knowledge organizers, which include key vocabulary and artist information, are shared with pupils and families to reinforce learning and encourage engagement beyond the classroom.
Through weekly lessons and a mastery approach that revisits key skills over time, we ensure children develop confidence and proficiency in their artistic abilities. With portfolios that travel with them throughout their time at Woodsetts, our pupils document their growth as artists and designers. By the time they transition to secondary school, they are well-prepared to engage with the visual arts, equipped with a deep appreciation of its impact and the skills to make their own creative contributions.
Impact of our art curriculum
At Woodsetts Primary School, our art curriculum ensures that children leave us equipped with a broad repertoire of creative skills and the confidence to express themselves through various artistic media. Through their journey in art and design, children learn not only to communicate, invent, and explore but also to build resilience and patience—qualities essential for personal and academic success.
The skills children acquire in art are not limited to creative expression. They are transferable across the curriculum and into life beyond the classroom, enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance. Our high expectations, supported by a consistent and carefully sequenced approach, enable children to revisit, refine, and perfect techniques over time. This mastery approach ensures that every child, regardless of starting point, develops an enviable artistic skill set.
Assessment in art at Woodsetts is both formative and summative. Teachers continuously assess children’s understanding and skill development through classroom activities, using questioning techniques and evaluating outcomes against clear success criteria. Each unit culminates in a composite piece of artwork that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and techniques mastered during the unit. Art portfolios follow children throughout their school journey, providing a tangible record of their progression and achievements. In addition, children’s knowledge of key artists and concepts is assessed through quizzes and reflective discussions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of art in culture and history.
Children at Woodsetts are inspired to see themselves as artists and designers. They leave us ready to engage with the visual arts in secondary school and beyond, confident in their creative abilities and equipped with the resilience to face new challenges. The impact of our art curriculum extends far beyond technique, nurturing thoughtful, reflective, and innovative individuals.
To find out more about our approach to Art & Design, please view this presentation below:
