At Cherry Burton Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum is designed to nurture creativity, imagination, critical thinking, and cultural understanding from the early years through to Year 6. We believe that all children are artists, and our curriculum provides them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to express their ideas, communicate visually and appreciate the artistic heritage of the world around them.

Aims and Vision

Our intent aligns with the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, the Development Matters guidance for EYFS, and the principles outlined in the Ofsted Art & Design Research Review. We aim to ensure that every child:

• Develops proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture and a wide range of artistic techniques, building secure foundational skills and progressing systematically over time.

• Explores, analyses and evaluates the work of great artists, craft makers and designers from diverse cultures, time periods and artistic movements.

• Understands the work of local artists and designers, celebrating the creativity within our own community and recognising the role art plays in local heritage.

• Uses sketchbooks purposefully  to record observations, practise skills, refine ideas and reflect on their artistic journey.

• Develops a secure understanding of key artistic vocabulary, enabling them to discuss and critique artwork, including their own and each other’s.

• Builds disciplinary knowledge, learning how artists work, how materials behave, and how creative decisions shape outcomes.

• Feels empowered to take creative risks, make choices, solve problems and develop resilience through the artistic process.

Early Years Foundation Stage (Ducklings & Reception)

In EYFS, our curriculum follows Development Matters and focuses on foundational expressive arts and fine-motor development. We ensure that children:

• Have rich opportunities to explore colour, texture, shape, form and materials.

• Develop increasing control over tools, materials and mark-making.

• Express ideas, feelings and stories through drawing, painting, sculpting and craft.

• Discuss what they notice and like about images, objects and artwork.

• Are introduced to famous and local artists in simple, accessible ways.

• Are encouraged to experiment freely and creatively, laying strong foundations for KS1.

This early exposure builds curiosity, confidence and enjoyment, enabling children to talk about their creations and respond to the work of others.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2)

In KS1, pupils begin to develop secure substantive knowledge of materials and techniques, and disciplinary knowledge about how artists work. We ensure that pupils:

• Use a range of materials creatively to design and make artwork.

• Develop and experiment with drawing, painting and sculpture.

• Use a range of tools with increasing accuracy and control.

• Learn about artists, craft makers and designers from a wide range of cultures, including local artists.

• Talk about their work using simple artistic vocabulary and reflect on the work of others.

Through carefully sequenced progression, pupils gain the technical competence they will build on in KS2.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)

In KS2, pupils deepen their knowledge of artistic concepts, techniques and processes through more independent exploration and research. Our curriculum ensures that pupils:

• Develop proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture and other forms such as textiles, digital art, and printing.

• Use sketchbooks to explore ideas, practise techniques, plan compositions and refine their work.

• Learn about a diverse range of artists and designers, understanding how art reflects history, culture and ideas.

• Apply accurate and increasingly complex artistic vocabulary.

• Evaluate and analyse their own artwork and the work of others with greater independence and confidence.

• Learn how art is used in industry, including design, architecture, illustration, and digital media.

Pupils build a body of knowledge that enables them to make informed and thoughtful creative decisions.

Breadth, Diversity and Local Community

Across the whole school, we place emphasis on:

• Representation and diversity: studying artists from different cultures, backgrounds and historical periods.

• Local creativity: celebrating the work of East Yorkshire artists, visiting exhibitions, inviting local creators into school, and linking learning to the local landscape and heritage.

• Cross-curricular enrichment: using art to deepen learning in history, geography, science and English, while maintaining art as a valued discipline in its own right.

Our Long-Term Vision

We want every pupil to leave Cherry Burton Primary School with:

• The confidence to express themselves visually.

• A rich knowledge of artistic techniques and key artists.

• A positive appreciation for the arts and their role in culture and society.

• The resilience to experiment, reflect and refine.

• A sense of pride in their achievements and creative identity.

Our Art curriculum is designed to inspire, challenge and empower children to see themselves as artists now and in the future.