“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Our vision for Art is to inspire every child to explore, create, and express themselves through a rich and progressive journey of artistic discovery. We believe that every child is a unique artist, capable of seeing the world in their own imaginative way.
At English Martyrs we follow the Primary National Curriculum for Art and Design.
The national curriculum states that : Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
Following the national curriculum for art our intent is that all our children:
- Will follow a high quality art and design education which will engage, inspire and challenge pupils to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. Pupils will learn through an understanding and developing knowledge of skills linked to drawing, colour, texture, form, printing and pattern. Pupils will be able to generate ideas to produce their own work and build on their knowledge of a number of artists from different genders, cultures and artistic styles.
- Should know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture and creativity of our country and the wider world. Pupils will develop their own creativity and curiosity through a willingness to experiment with different styles and media and show a growing appreciation of art and design as a source of inspiration and fulfilment.
- Will have the opportunities to develop and extend skills and an opportunity to express their individual interests, thought and ideas through the skills they have acquired. Pupils will utilise the skills they have learnt and the knowledge they have acquired to create their own pieces of work to both emulate a particular style or artist but also to produce their own interpretation.
At English Martyrs, Art is taught through a structured long-term plan that develops skills progressively from EYFS to Year 6. Pupils explore drawing, painting, printing, sculpture and design, experimenting with materials and techniques while recording ideas in sketchbooks or design workbooks.
Lessons are sequenced to build both technical skills and creative thinking, with opportunities to evaluate, refine and respond to themes. Cross-curricular links and varied media ensure all pupils can engage, express themselves, and develop confidence and enjoyment in the visual arts.
By the end of their time at English Martyrs, pupils develop a strong foundation in a range of artistic skills, from drawing and painting to sculpture and design. They gain confidence in experimenting with materials, applying techniques, and expressing their own ideas creatively.
Through regular practice, reflection, and exposure to different styles and media, children leave with both technical competence and a lasting appreciation of the visual arts, ready to continue exploring and creating with confidence in the next stage of their education.
