Art
The art and design curriculum at OSPA we hope will inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art and become confident artists in their own right.
Art is a wonderful way for pupils to express their creativity and imagination! It allows them to explore different colours, shapes, and materials, helping to develop their artistic skills while having fun. Whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, art helps pupils learn about themselves and the world around them. It also encourages problem-solving and teamwork when pupils work together or independently on art projects. Through art, we can celebrate our differences and share our unique ideas and stories with others!
The delivery
The curriculum at OSPA has been designed with the development of skills and knowledge throughout each year, in mind. All year groups focus on drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles and 3D sculpture. These are on a two-year cycle to ensure by the end of Year 1 and 2, 3 and 4 and 5 and 6, all skills have been covered. As part of the subject overview, each strand has key skills and techniques that pupils need to have achieved in their lessons. Every year, there is a clear progression of skills which builds on prior learning, with increasing mastery – such as the use of tools and techniques. This enables pupils to retain and build on their knowledge throughout their primary years.
In the classroom, teachers foster a creative and inclusive environment, reinforcing the expectation that every pupil is capable of achieving high standards in Art.
Our approach to the teaching and learning of Art is designed to inspire creativity while developing technical skills and critical thinking. We ensure pupils are provided with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that nurtures their artistic potential. Our approach includes the following:
- Opportunities to explore a variety of media and techniques: Each lesson provides pupils with the chance to experiment with different materials and processes, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art. Pupils learn to use these media effectively through hands-on projects and guided instruction.
- Art is planned in thematic units: The curriculum is structured by the class teacher at the start of the academic year, ensuring that concepts are built upon progressively. Each unit is designed to revisit previous skills while introducing new techniques and exploring various artistic styles and periods in greater depth.
- Encouraging creativity and independent thinking: In our planning, we provide opportunities for pupils to ask questions, explore their own ideas, and use different forms of media to express their creativity. Lessons often include the exploration of themes, allowing for individual interpretation and the development of a personal artistic voice.
- Sketchbooks as a tool for learning: Pupils in Years 2-6 record their progress and experiment with techniques in their personal sketchbooks, which they can refer to throughout the year. These sketchbooks are an essential part of the learning process, offering space for reflection and the development of ideas. In Year 1 the children have a class Big Book which they all contribute too during lessons.
- Visual and verbal instruction: Teachers demonstrate key techniques visually, breaking down complex processes step by step, while also explaining them verbally. This ensures that all pupils understand the methods and can recreate them with confidence. Through questioning and feedback, teachers encourage pupils to reflect on their work and make improvements.
- Art history and cultural awareness: Through each unit, pupils are introduced to a range of artists, art movements, and cultural contexts, fostering an understanding of the diverse history of art. Teachers create opportunities to compare and contrast various styles and techniques, linking them to the broader world of art and culture.
By blending technical skill-building with creative exploration, we ensure that pupils develop both their artistic abilities and their appreciation for the wider world of art.