At St Mary's Primary School, our Art curriculum has a strong knowledge base and is designed to inspire creativity, curiosity and enjoyment of the arts. Through a carefully sequenced programme of learning, pupils develop their knowledge of artistic techniques, materials and processes while exploring the work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers. Children build their skills progressively and learn to express their ideas with increasing confidence and creativity.

Rooted in our Christian values, we encourage pupils to appreciate beauty, reflect on the world around them and take pride in their unique talents. Through opportunities to draw, paint, sculpt and create, children develop imagination, resilience and self-expression. We aim for all pupils to leave St Mary's with a strong appreciation of the arts, a broad cultural understanding and the confidence to communicate their ideas through creative work.

Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure clear progression across all year groups. In the Early Years, children begin by exploring colours, textures and different materials through play-based creative experiences. As they move through Key Stage 1, they develop foundational skills in drawing, painting, printing and sculpture while learning about a range of artists. In Key Stage 2, pupils refine and apply these skills with greater control and independence, study artistic movements and significant artists in more depth, and learn to evaluate and improve their own work. By the end of Year 6, children have developed a secure knowledge of art and design, a rich artistic vocabulary and the confidence to create, appreciate and discuss artwork thoughtfully.