Art

Our Vision for Art & Design and Design & Technology

At St. John with St. Michael’s CE Primary School, Art & Design and Design & Technology (DT) enable children to express creativity, develop practical skills and become confident, imaginative thinkers. Rooted in our Christian values, these subjects encourage pupils to appreciate beauty, craftsmanship and innovation, while developing perseverance, reflection and pride in their work.

Why Art & Design and DT Matter

Art & Design and DT play a vital role in developing children’s creativity, problem-solving skills and self-expression. They allow pupils to explore ideas, take risks, evaluate outcomes and learn from mistakes.

Through these subjects, pupils:

• Develop creativity, imagination and curiosity

• Learn to communicate ideas visually and practically

• Build resilience, confidence and independence

• Acquire practical skills that are transferable across the curriculum and into later life

Art & Design

Link to the National Curriculum

Our Art & Design curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England, which aims to ensure that pupils:

• Produce creative work, exploring ideas and recording experiences

• Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques

• Evaluate and analyse creative works using appropriate language

• Learn about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of art

(Based on the National Curriculum for England – Art & Design)

What Pupils Learn

In EYFS, children:

• Explore a wide range of materials and tools

• Express ideas through art, music, dance and role play

In Key Stage 1, pupils:

• Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop ideas

• Learn about colour, texture, line, shape and form

• Begin to evaluate their own and others’ work

In Key Stage 2, pupils:

• Develop mastery of a range of techniques

• Explore sketching, painting, printing, textiles and sculpture

• Study artists and designers from different cultures and time periods

• Use sketchbooks to record ideas, experiment and reflect

How We Teach Art & Design

• Creative Exploration: Children are encouraged to experiment with materials and techniques.

• Skills Progression: Techniques are revisited and refined across year groups.

• Evaluation and Reflection: Pupils discuss and reflect on their work and that of others.

• Links to Other Subjects: Art is often linked with History, Geography and RE to deepen understanding.

Design & Technology (DT)

Link to the National Curriculum

Our DT curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum for England, which aims to ensure that pupils:

• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently

• Build and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to design and make high-quality products

• Evaluate and test ideas, products and systems

• Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

(Based on the National Curriculum for England – Design & Technology)

What Pupils Learn

In EYFS, children:

• Build and create using a variety of construction materials

• Explore how things work through play and investigation

In Key Stage 1, pupils:

• Design purposeful, functional products

• Use tools safely to cut, shape and join materials

• Learn about simple mechanisms such as wheels and levers

In Key Stage 2, pupils:

• Follow the design, make and evaluate process

• Use a wider range of tools, materials and components

• Learn about structures, mechanical systems and electrical systems

• Develop cooking and nutrition skills, including understanding healthy, balanced diets

How We Teach Design & Technology

• Design Process: Pupils follow a clear sequence of design, make and evaluate.

• Problem Solving: Real-life contexts are used to give learning purpose.

• Practical Skills: Children are taught to use tools and equipment safely and accurately.

• Evaluation: Pupils test products and reflect on how they could be improved.

Art & Design and DT in Our School Community

Through Art & Design and DT, pupils at St. John with St. Michael’s learn to value creativity, craftsmanship and innovation. They are encouraged to take pride in their work, respect the ideas of others and understand how creativity and design shape the world around them. These subjects support pupils to become confident, reflective and resourceful learners.

Art & Design Technology Curriculum