At St Mary’s, Art gives children opportunities to notice, imagine and create. We encourage children to recognise their God-given gifts, express their ideas and value the work of others.

Our curriculum develops practical skills alongside knowledge of artists, craft makers and designers. Children explore how art communicates different experiences and how it reflects the time and culture in which it is made.

Our Art Specialist teaches weekly lessons. Children explore drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and digital media through projects that build on earlier learning. Artist studies, demonstrations and practical exploration help children develop their own ideas.

Learning develops from exploring materials and making choices in Reception to using techniques with greater control, planning work and explaining artistic decisions in Key Stage 2. Children review and refine their work throughout a project, then share and discuss the finished pieces.

The curriculum includes artists and traditions from different places and backgrounds. Displays and galleries celebrate children’s work and give them opportunities to appreciate one another’s creativity.

Children demonstrate progress in art through increasing control of materials and techniques, thoughtful creative choices and growing confidence in experimenting with ideas. They use appropriate vocabulary to discuss their own work and that of artists, explain their choices and reflect on how their work could develop.

Through discussion, observation and review of sketchbooks and finished pieces, teachers assess how children apply and build on their learning. This informs next steps and appropriate support or challenge. Children develop independence as artists, learning to value the creative process, respond to feedback and take pride in their individual achievements.