At Cotmanhay Junior School, we strive to create an art and design curriculum that engages and inspires children to express their individual creativity and to produce their own works of art. Creativity is encouraged from the very beginning of our children’s school experience. Children are provided with opportunities to experience a variety of media and techniques through the work of influential artists and craft makers from around the world, both past and present. Our curriculum aims to equip children with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices, think critically about their own artwork and that of others, and to work with increased independence.

Our art and design curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences 
• Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art/craft and design techniques
• Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Four core strands run through the scheme. These are:

Drawing

Exploring mark-making in all its forms: experimenting with line, tone and texture and using a wide range of materials to express ideas as drawings. Using sketchbooks to record observations. Learning how drawing is used by artists to develop and communicate their ideas creatively.

Painting and mixed media

Developing proficiency in painting techniques (including exploring colour mixing), painting on a range of surfaces and applying drawing skills to painting projects. Using sketchbooks to practise painting methods and exploring between different media within a piece of artwork.

Sculpture and 3D

Constructing and creating models with a wide variety of materials. Investigating ways to express ideas in three dimensions. Developing the ability to adapt ideas and designs in sketchbooks. Moving from two dimensions into sculpture.

Craft and design

Producing a wide range of creative work and becoming proficient in a range of making processes. Building on skills in printmaking, textile art, and digital media. Exploring design disciplines such as construction, architecture and product design.

An inclusive curriculum

We pride ourselves on providing learning opportunities that are accessible and ambitious for all learners, enabling all children to make progress and have a sense of achievement. We achieve this through sequential planning, allowing skills to be scaffolded and extended as appropriate. We also create an ethos of not being afraid to make ‘mistakes,’ encouraging our children to be risk-takers, problem solvers and to develop resilience. 

Learning Connections

We recognise the value art plays in the teaching of other subjects. This allows children to make meaningful links, helping to strengthen and build connections in learning.