Intent

At South Avenue Primary School, we believe Art and Design are vital, integral aspects of children’s education, offering one of the highest forms of expression and creativity.

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to inspire ambition, resilience, and a passion for learning. It meets the requirements of the National Curriculum while ensuring a broad and balanced progression of skills and knowledge. We aim to:

• Recognise and build on children’s prior learning.
• Provide opportunities for individual creativity through observation, recording, and imaginative expression.
• Develop competency in handling a variety of materials, tools, and techniques.
• Encourage self-reflection, resilience, and critical thinking.
• Foster curiosity and an appreciation of the world, aligning with our school values.

Through Art and Design, children gain lifelong skills such as experimentation, perseverance, and evaluation, developing a sense of pride in their achievements. Our curriculum focuses on proficiency in various artistic techniques and processes while nurturing an appreciation for visual arts and significant artists.

At South Avenue, we celebrate each child's individuality. There are no right or wrong answers in the arts—just opportunities for expression without limitations. Children’s artistic achievements are valued, discussed, and displayed within the school and the wider community. We believe that fostering creativity in every child helps them grow into expressive, confident individuals who embrace new opportunities.

Implement

Our Art and Design curriculum is delivered through a structured, progressive approach that ensures high-quality teaching and learning. Art and Design are embedded into termly topics, aligning with National Curriculum objectives and allowing for meaningful cross-curricular connections. Lessons are guided by children’s interests and teacher’s professional judgement, ensuring engaging and relevant learning experiences.

Pupils present their ideas and explorations through sketchbooks, displays, class assemblies, and end-of-year performances, celebrating the creative talents within our school.

To continuously enhance our approach, we actively seek feedback from pupils and staff through surveys and discussions. This informs professional development opportunities for staff, ensuring best practices in Art and Design teaching.

Beyond the classroom, we offer a range of enrichment opportunities, including:

• Educational visits incorporating Art and Design elements.
• Collaboration with Fulston Manor to access their facilities, equipment, and staff expertise.
• After-school clubs based on pupil interests, ensuring additional opportunities for artistic expression.

Impact

At South Avenue, our Art and Design curriculum nurtures children’s creativity, enabling them to develop artistic skills, knowledge of influential artists, and an ability to apply various techniques.

Throughout their time with us, children continuously refine their artistic thinking, using sketchbooks, enrichment activities, displays, and performances to showcase their progression. The curriculum’s well-chosen topics enhance learning and encourage the creative application of skills across different subjects.

By engaging in self-reflection and evaluating their own and others’ work, pupils develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This ongoing cycle of exploration, feedback, and improvement ensures that every child reaches their full creative potential.

Our curriculum supports our children to develop their values in line with our school values of LEARN; by encouraging others, pushing themselves to think ambitiously, be nurturing and respectful to others when sharing and displaying their art.

Art & Design End Points

Knowledge Organisers	Displays	Our Art!
Pupil Voice KS1 Pupil Voice KS2