Art & Design

Curriculum Planning

Our Art & Design curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced to ensure progressive skill development across all year groups. Leaders have carefully planned the curriculum to cover essential artistic skills and knowledge in a coherent and connected way.

Key planning features include:

• A clear progression of skills such as observational drawing, colour theory and mixing, painting, collage, sculpture, and digital art.
• Opportunities for pupils to explore and be inspired by a diverse range of artists, cultures, and artistic traditions.
• Integration of cross-curricular links, particularly with History and Literacy, to enrich pupils’ understanding of art in its wider cultural and historical contexts.
• Thoughtful consideration of how skills build on one another, ensuring pupils revisit and deepen their mastery over time.
• Alignment with the school’s HEART values, encouraging honesty in self-expression, respect for diverse artistic viewpoints, and accountability in craftsmanship.

Teaching Approach

Teaching in Art & Design at Chiseldon is dynamic, inclusive, and skill-focused, encouraging pupils to experiment and take creative risks. Teachers employ:

• Step-by-step modelling of techniques to scaffold learning and build confidence.
• Demonstrations that highlight artistic processes and encourage reflection on methods and outcomes.
• Use of rich, varied materials and tools to develop tactile and sensory experiences.
• Encouragement of critical thinking through discussion of pupils’ own work and that of others, fostering appreciation and constructive feedback.
• Differentiated instruction to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can engage meaningfully with art projects.

Interactive Learning & Engagement

We believe that hands-on experience is central to developing artistic skills and passion. Our lessons include:

• Practical activities that allow pupils to experiment with drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
• Opportunities for collaborative projects that build teamwork and communication skills.
• Visits to local galleries, museums, and community art events to inspire and contextualise learning.
• Use of digital tools and technology to expand creative possibilities and prepare pupils for modern artistic expression.
• Encouragement for pupils to share their artwork within the school community, celebrating creativity and boosting confidence.

Fostering Creativity & Artistic Identity

Art & Design at Chiseldon supports pupils in developing their unique artistic voice and creative thinking. We:

• Promote the school’s HEART values through art, encouraging honesty in expression, equality in sharing ideas, and respect for others’ creative contributions.
• Encourage pupils to reflect on their artistic choices and the impact of their work.
• Support the development of perseverance and problem-solving skills through iterative creative processes.
• Celebrate diversity in artistic styles and cultural influences, preparing pupils to appreciate and contribute to a rich artistic world.

Assessment

Assessment in Art & Design is continuous and focuses on both skill acquisition and creative development. Our approach includes:

• Formative assessment through observation, pupil self-evaluation, and peer feedback during projects.
• Use of portfolios to document progression in skills and creativity over time.
• Summative assessment aligned with curriculum milestones to ensure pupils meet expected standards in key techniques and artistic understanding.
• Opportunities for pupils to articulate their artistic intentions and evaluate their own work, fostering reflective practice.

This assessment framework supports personalised learning and helps pupils grow as confident, capable artists.