The art & design curriculum follows the national curriculum in KS1 and KS2 and the EYFS Statutory Framework and Development Matters in the early years.The art & design curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all learners, particularly the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.

We have made some enhancements such as visits to The Walker Art Gallery to study Tudor portraits, Liverpool waterfront to study architecture as well as opportunities to develop art during woodland learning sessions.   The pupils gain knowledge about how to design, draw, paint, sculpt, and use paper craft. Clearly defined substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge end points are identified at the end of each year. Components (building blocks) are carefully sequenced so new knowledge builds on what has previously been taught and leads to end points. Where required, pedagogy is adapted so that all pupils including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND are on the same knowledge journey towards the same endpoints.

We have built our own scheme of work which builds in complexity so that pupils can build on their knowledge and skills. Knowledge and skills are revisited and refreshed to ensure they become embedded. Vocabulary is also taught explicitly in every lesson and key words and concepts are mapped out. Review and retrieval is a key part of every lesson where quick quizzes are used to support this.  

Our pupils represent an urban area of Wirral and this is reflected through an inclusive, diverse curriculum which is supported through additional extra-curricular focus events such as Children's art week. We have selected designers and artists to study, male and female, who share the context of the pupils. To build pupils’ cultural capital, they also study the work of designers and artists who are nationally important. 

For further information on our curriculum intent, implementation and impact, please see our curriculum page.

See below the Art and Design curriculum overview for KS1 and KS2

The Art and Design curriculum is set out in the Art and Design End Points document.