At Hanslope Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum is built upon the National Curriculum and is carefully sequenced through a two-year rolling programme using the AccessArt programme. This ensures that all pupils experience a broad, balanced and progressive Art and Design education, regardless of whether they begin a phase in Cycle A or Cycle B.
Our curriculum is organised around clear golden threads which run throughout the school. These golden threads help pupils build confidence, curiosity and creativity whilst making meaningful connections between artistic disciplines, materials, techniques and ideas. Through repeated opportunities to explore, experiment, create and reflect, pupils develop increasingly sophisticated artistic skills and understanding over time.
The curriculum enables pupils to learn through a balance of making, drawing, sketchbook work, discussion and reflection. Children are introduced to a diverse range of artists, craftspeople, architects and designers from different cultures, times and traditions, helping them to understand how Art and Design can communicate ideas, tell stories and inspire change.
Across the school, pupils develop both artistic knowledge and creative behaviours. Artistic knowledge includes understanding materials, processes, techniques and visual elements such as colour, line, shape, texture, form and pattern. Creative behaviours include developing curiosity, resilience, independence, risk-taking, problem-solving and the confidence to express personal ideas and responses.
Sketchbooks play a central role in the curriculum, providing a space for pupils to explore, record, experiment, reflect and develop their thinking. Pupils are encouraged to see sketchbooks as personal learning journeys rather than finished products.
Vocabulary is carefully planned and revisited so that pupils can discuss artwork, processes and ideas with increasing accuracy, confidence and sophistication. Through this approach, children leave Hanslope Primary School as engaged, informed and confident young artists who understand that creativity is for everyone.
Subject Leader: Mrs Shellie Duffield