Art
If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced
- Vincent Van Gogh
Intent
At St Columba’s, we believe Art is a gift from God—a way for children to explore their creativity, express emotion, and reflect the beauty of His creation. Every child is valued as a unique individual, made in the image and likeness of God.
Our Art curriculum encourages children to create with both imagination and purpose. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, we:
- Honour dignity by giving every child a voice through their art.
- Promote solidarity through collaborative projects and appreciation of diverse cultures.
- Encourage stewardship by exploring nature and using recycled materials.
- Teach respect and responsibility through care for shared spaces and valuing others’ work.
Children develop key artistic skills—drawing, designing, researching, experimenting with materials, and evaluating their own work. They learn about a range of artists, architects, and designers, understanding how art shapes and reflects the world around us.
As pupils move through school, they refine their techniques, think critically about art, and are encouraged to create without limits—developing confidence, curiosity, and a love for the arts.
Implementation
In all year groups, a teacher will plan art and design using the year group overview which focuses on the knowledge and skills stated in our Access Art Split Curriculum which complements the National Curriculum. Through effective teaching and considered sequences of lessons and experiences, teachers lead discussion and model the correct skills to pupils. They provide children with opportunities to practise and develop mastery in the key processes of the three pathways; drawing and sketchbooks, surface and colour and working in three-dimensions. They will also develop an understanding of the visual elements of art and design: line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape and 3D form .
Wherever appropriate, art and design is linked to other areas of the curriculum and gives pupils opportunities to develop specific art skills. Pupils are encouraged to reflect, evaluate and analyse creative works. This process is supported through the use of sketchbooks from years 1 to 6 which gives the children the opportunity to practise revisit and review their work.
As well as developing proficiency in skills, children will have a knowledge of great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. This ensures that children understand the context of the artwork and are inspired by the artists, architects and designers they study.
Through art and design activities, we hope to contribute to the development of the whole child emotionally, spiritually, cognitively and socially. We proudly display pupils’ artwork throughout school and at our annual BCWCAT Art Exhibition in order to motivate and inspire and to celebrate the pupil’s artwork.
Impact
- Develop the knowledge and attitudes to enjoy and appreciate art and design through an understanding of their own and others creativity.
- Children are motivated and confident in creating and investigating artistic styles and techniques
- Art knowledge and appreciation is developed and shared in class and displayed around the school.
- Pupils have the confidence to evaluate and analyse different forms of art work including that of others and their own.
- Pupils have knowledge of great artists, craft makers and designers.
- To use a rich and vibrant vocabulary to express their ideas and views.
- Develop confidence, have a go, resilient learners.
- To have a greater understanding of spiritual, cultural and diversity on a local, national and global scale.
Progression of Substantive and Disciplinary knowledge
accessart progression of knowledge skills.pdf
Long Term Plan including EYFS
art curriculum whole school including eyfs latest.pdf
Vocabulary Overview
Pupil Voice
Children's Work Examples
