Intent 

Our Art curriculum at Belsay Primary School develops creativity, confidence and technical skill through a progressive, sequential programme aligned to the English National Curriculum. Pupils explore a wide range of artistic skills—drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, textiles and printing—while studying a balanced range of historical, local and contemporary artists. The curriculum is designed to work effectively within mixed-age classes, using Cycle A and Cycle B to ensure full coverage without repetition.

Implementation 

Art at Belsay Primary School is delivered through a carefully sequenced and inclusive approach that ensures all pupils build artistic knowledge and skills over time. Teaching is structured to work effectively within our mixed-age classes through a clearly defined Cycle A and Cycle B, preventing repetition while ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum.

Units are planned around key artistic skills and techniques—drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, textiles and printing—rather than isolated outcomes. Teachers model techniques explicitly, using visual examples, demonstrations and shared vocabulary to support all learners. Opportunities for exploration, practice and refinement are built into each unit, allowing pupils to revisit and deepen skills progressively.

Sketchbooks are used from KS1 onwards as a working document to record ideas, practise techniques, annotate learning and evaluate outcomes. This supports pupils in developing independence and understanding the creative process.

A diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople—historical, contemporary, global and local—are studied to inspire pupils and place art within cultural and historical contexts. Artist studies are used to develop both technical skill and critical thinking, encouraging pupils to respond, adapt and apply ideas in their own work rather than copy outcomes.

Art is linked meaningfully with other subjects, particularly History, to deepen understanding and provide purposeful contexts. Local links and materials are used wherever possible to enhance engagement and cultural capital.

Assessment is formative and ongoing. Teachers use questioning, observation, sketchbook work and outcomes to assess pupils’ understanding and inform next steps. Adaptations and scaffolds ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, can access, participate and succeed.

Impact 

Pupils leave Belsay Primary as confident, skilled and reflective artists who:

• Apply a wide range of artistic techniques with increasing independence
• Understand how art reflects history, culture and identity
• Can evaluate their own work and that of others using appropriate vocabulary
• Take pride in creativity and self-expression

This curriculum builds cultural capital, supports cross-curricular learning (especially History as it has influenced Art), and ensures all pupils experience a rich, inclusive and ambitious Art education.