At Woodchurch CE Primary, we believe that Art and Design is a powerful form of expression that helps children to explore their creativity, develop confidence, and see the world through new perspectives. Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure children are introduced to a wide range of artistic skills, styles, and media, while also providing opportunities for personal reflection and cultural understanding.

Our Curriculum

Our bespoke Art and Design curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6 and is built around three core areas: drawing and painting, printing and collage, and sculpture and textiles. Through each phase, children progressively build their skills, develop control over tools and materials, and begin to apply their understanding in increasingly sophisticated ways.

We link our art topics to a rich range of artists, themes, and cross-curricular contexts, helping children make connections with history, geography, RE, and more. Children explore work by influential artists such as Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Louise Bourgeois, Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Michael Brennand-Wood, as well as contemporary and culturally diverse artists including Esther Mahlangu and Diego Rivera.

Skills and Experiences

• Drawing: From early explorations of lines and facial features in EYFS to expressive sketching using tone, shading, and perspective in KS2, children learn how to communicate ideas and emotions through drawing.

• Painting and Colour Theory: Children investigate primary, secondary, and tertiary colours, learn about tints, tones and shades, and use colour to express mood and symbolism.

• Printing and Collage: We teach a variety of techniques including block printing, layering, and collage. Children learn how to plan and compose their work, taking inspiration from global traditions and contemporary themes.

• Sculpture and Textiles: Our pupils use a range of materials—from clay and recycled objects to fabric and wire—to explore form, structure, and texture, creating 3D pieces that reflect personal identity, community stories, and environmental messages.

Progression and Purpose

Every art unit includes opportunities for research, experimentation, creation, and evaluation. Our curriculum ensures progression in key artistic concepts and techniques, while also supporting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Children are encouraged to talk about their own work and the work of others using appropriate vocabulary and growing confidence.

We know that for many pupils, art is not only a subject but a way to feel heard, valued, and inspired. Whether through bold colour, delicate stitching, or imaginative clay work, each child is supported to find their creative voice.