Art Curriculum

Art at Saughall All Saints CE Primary School

We all love, learn and grow together. Mark 12:31 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'

Intent

At Saughall All Saints Primary school, our intention is to provide a high‑quality Art and Design education that enables all pupils to develop confidence, creativity and technical skill using a wide range of media and materials. We believe that Art and Design should inspire, engage and challenge pupils, giving them the opportunity to express themselves and think critically about the world around them.

We follow the Access Art scheme of work, which supports a rich, progressive and inclusive curriculum. This approach ensures pupils experience a broad range of artistic processes, encounter diverse artists and makers, and develop their skills systematically over time.

Throughout their time at Saughall All Saints, pupils progressively develop skills in drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles and 3D work. They are encouraged to explore, experiment and evaluate creative ideas, building resilience and independence as young artists and designers. Pupils are introduced to a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers, developing an understanding of artistic styles, techniques and vocabulary.

Wherever appropriate, Art and Design is meaningfully linked to other areas of the curriculum. This helps pupils make connections across subjects and gives context and purpose to their creative work.

Knowledge and skills are carefully mapped across each year group to ensure clear progression, increasing challenge and secure understanding as pupils move through the school.

Implementation

EYFS

In the Foundation Stage, pupils are introduced to new Art skills at the start of each week. These skills are then practised independently within the creative area, allowing children to revisit and embed learning through play. Pupils are encouraged to experiment freely with different media, tools and techniques, developing curiosity, imagination and fine‑motor control. Opportunities for mark‑making, colour mixing, constructing and exploring textures are woven throughout the provision.

Key Stage One

In Key Stage One, pupils are taught specific skills in drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, collage and textiles. Sketchbooks are introduced and used to develop ideas, practise techniques and explore different styles. Pupils study the work of a range of artists and use these as inspiration for their own creations.

The Access Art curriculum supports teachers in delivering high‑quality, structured lessons that encourage exploration and creativity. Art is often linked to wider curriculum topics to provide meaningful context. For example, when learning about plants and nature, pupils explore collage techniques and the work of Andy Goldsworthy. Art is typically taught in blocks, either over a full day or across two consecutive days, allowing pupils to become fully immersed in the creative process.

Key Stage Two

In Key Stage Two, pupils build on the skills and knowledge developed in Key Stage One. The Access Art progression framework ensures that key techniques are revisited, deepened and applied in different ways.

Art continues to be linked to topic work where appropriate; for example, in Years 3 and 4, pupils explore pattern through collage and link to Roman mosaics. Access Art’s structured units support teachers in delivering high‑quality, learning sequences. Art is typically taught in blocks, either across a week or over one or two focused days, allowing pupils the time and space to develop, refine and complete more complex pieces.

Sketchbooks play a central role in Key Stage Two. Pupils use them to explore ideas, trial techniques, annotate their thinking and plan final outcomes. A wide range of artists and designers are studied, and pupils draw on these influences to inform their own work.

Artwork is celebrated across the school through high‑quality displays, showcasing pupils’ creativity and achievements. We also have a link with Saughall Art group and have produced work for their exhibitions.

Ultimately, pupils leave Saughall All Saints with the confidence to explore ideas, the technical skills to express them, and the cultural awareness to appreciate art in the wider world.