Art & Design

Curriculum
At St Paulinus, Art and Design is taught as a connected, coherent and cumulative journey that encourages every child to see themselves as an artist. From early mark-making in EYFS to increasingly sophisticated techniques in Key Stage 2, pupils develop knowledge and skills step by step, revisiting and deepening them across year groups. They are introduced to a wide range of artists, styles and movements, exploring how art reflects culture, identity and history. Our curriculum encourages creativity, imagination and critical thinking, while giving pupils the technical ability to express ideas confidently. By the time they leave, children understand how art links to other subjects, and how creativity can inspire, communicate and make a difference.

Vocabulary
Art vocabulary is introduced explicitly and revisited in context. Pupils learn key terms such as line, tone, texture, perspective, composition, abstract and medium, building a cumulative bank of artistic language. This vocabulary allows them to talk and think like artists, evaluating their own work and the work of others with increasing confidence and sophistication.

Implementation
Art lessons are practical, inclusive and exploratory. Sketchbooks are used across the school to record ideas, experiment with techniques and reflect on progress. Lessons are sequenced so pupils revisit techniques at increasing levels of challenge, moving from simple drawing and painting to more complex skills such as printing, sculpture and mixed media. Pupils are encouraged to generate and refine their own ideas, taking inspiration from artists, literature and other curriculum areas. Teachers model techniques and provide structured opportunities for practice, with feedback helping pupils to develop resilience and pride in their work.