Art & Design
"Art is a place for children to learn to trust their ideas, themselves and to explore what is possible." - Maryann F. Kohl
Art & Design Team: Miss E Sefton and Mr L O’Toole
Our Purpose:
At Rack House Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum provides pupils with a rich and meaningful understanding of artistic expression, visual communication, and creative thinking. It is carefully designed to spark curiosity, nurture imagination, and help pupils explore their own identities through the study and creation of art across different cultures, time periods, and styles.
We believe that learning through art equips pupils with the skills to observe the world closely, express themselves confidently, and respond thoughtfully to visual ideas. Through a broad and progressively sequenced curriculum, pupils explore key artistic concepts such as line, colour, form, texture, space, and composition, while learning to use a variety of materials and techniques.
Our curriculum helps pupils develop an understanding of how art reflects and shapes human experience, encourages emotional expression, and communicates ideas across cultures. Pupils are taught to look closely, think critically, and engage with a diverse range of artworks—from classical traditions to contemporary practices—allowing them to see the value of multiple perspectives and voices.
At Rack House, pupils are supported to see themselves as artists: imaginative, skilled, and empowered to express their ideas creatively and meaningfully. Art and Design at Rack House aims not only to build artistic knowledge and technical skill, but also to foster the confidence, empathy, and vision to shape the world through creativity.
National Curriculum Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-art-and-design-programmes-of-study
Our Curriculum Overview:
Art & Design Long Term Plan
How We Teach Art and Design:
At Rack House, our Art and Design curriculum is carefully sequenced to build secure knowledge, technical skill, and creative confidence. Pupils engage with key artistic concepts such as line, form, colour, texture, pattern, and composition, which are revisited and developed through a variety of stimulating and inclusive units.
Each unit is shaped by a central creative objective that encourages pupils to explore ideas, express themselves, and reflect on the purpose of art. Lessons follow a consistent structure that supports progression: starting with artist research, pupils investigate the work of a diverse range of artists, designers, and craftspeople—both historical and contemporary, local and global. This is followed by experimentation, where pupils explore different materials, tools, and techniques in a hands-on, exploratory way. Through planning and designing, pupils develop their own ideas, responding thoughtfully to themes and stimuli. Finally, they create their own artworks and engage in evaluating, reflecting on the success of their work and identifying areas for growth.
Pupils are encouraged to make meaningful connections to cultural and artistic heritage, and to explore how art reflects and shapes the world around them. Chronological and thematic links help pupils understand the evolution of styles and movements, and key ideas such as creativity, identity, symbolism, and storytelling are regularly revisited and applied across different contexts.
The curriculum is enriched with artist-led workshops and class exhibitions where pupils can present and celebrate their work. Assessment is ongoing and focuses on how well pupils can apply artistic techniques, express their ideas visually, and evaluate their creative journey over time.
The Results of Our Approach:
By the time they leave us, pupils will:
- Use subject-specific vocabulary with accuracy and confidence to describe processes, techniques, and intentions.
- Recognise how artworks are created, interpreted, and valued across different times and cultures.
- Develop creativity through exploring and expressing original ideas in their artwork.
- Acquire a wide range of artistic skills, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.
- Build confidence in their ability to create, discuss and evaluate art thoughtfully and independently.
The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is evidenced through:
- Pupil Engagement: High levels of enthusiasm for the subject are evident through active participation, creative risk-taking, and pride in their work. This is supported by pupil voice, sketchbooks, and involvement in art days, clubs, and exhibitions.
- Creative and Reflective Thinking: Pupils confidently explore, evaluate, and refine their ideas. They can articulate their creative intentions and reflect thoughtfully on their outcomes and artistic choices.
- Skill Development and Progress: Pupils make strong progress in artistic techniques and creative expression, as shown through their sketchbooks, final pieces, and formative assessments. Their work reflects the high expectations set at Rack House.
- Cultural and Aesthetic Awareness: Pupils gain a rich understanding of diverse artistic traditions and perspectives. They develop respect for a range of cultural expressions and can discuss the relevance of art in society and their own lives.
Progression of skills documents:
Useful Links:
- Tate Kids
https://www.tate.org.uk/kids
A brilliant site with games, art activities, how-to videos, and kid-friendly info about famous artists and art styles. - BBC Bitesize – Art and Design (Primary)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zd9d7ty
Short, accessible lessons on key art concepts such as colour, line, and form, plus examples of different styles and media. - The National Gallery – Learn
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/learning/teachers-and-schools/primary
Explore famous paintings and artists. Great for sparking discussions about art history and techniques. - Access Art
https://www.accessart.org.uk/
A rich resource with creative art ideas, sketchbook inspiration, and drawing prompts. Some content is free for home use. - The Artful Parent
https://artfulparent.com/
Packed with easy, open-ended art activities for children at home—especially good for younger primary pupils. - Red Ted Art
https://www.redtedart.com/
Arts and crafts using simple materials found at home. Includes seasonal crafts, paper art, and more. - Google Arts & Culture – Kids
https://artsandculture.google.com/project/kids-family
Explore artworks and museums virtually. Great for introducing children to famous artists and artworks around the world. - Kids Art Spot
https://www.kidsartspot.com/
A subscription site (some free content) with step-by-step video lessons and projects children can follow at home.