Art and Design

At Hanley St Luke’s, we actively encourage children to develop their artistic awareness and acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to express their unique ideas. Through our carefully sequenced Art and Design curriculum, children explore a wide range of artistic techniques, materials and processes while developing creativity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation of the arts. We follow the Grammarsaurus Art curriculum, which provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Year 1 to Year 6, ensuring that children build upon previous learning and develop as confident, capable artists.

We believe that every child is an artist. Our curriculum nurtures imagination and originality, encouraging children to take creative risks, learn from experimentation and develop their own artistic style. Children build their skills progressively across drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and mixed media, while developing an understanding of key artistic concepts such as colour, line, shape, texture, form and perspective.

Throughout their journey at Hanley St Luke’s, children learn about significant artists, illustrators, architects, designers and craft makers from around the world. They discover how art can communicate ideas, emotions and beliefs, reflect society and history, and even inspire change. By studying a diverse range of artists and artistic movements, children develop an appreciation of the rich cultural heritage that art provides.

Our Approach to Art and Design

Our Art and Design curriculum aims to develop children's creativity, imagination and self-expression while building their knowledge and mastery of a wide range of artistic skills and techniques. We encourage pupils to be curious, original and adventurous in their artistic choices, providing opportunities to experiment with different materials, processes and styles. Through the study of significant artists, designers, architects and craft makers from a range of cultures and historical periods, children develop an appreciation of art's rich heritage and its influence on the world around them. As they progress through school, pupils gain confidence in drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media, learning how to communicate ideas, emotions and personal experiences through their artwork. They are encouraged to reflect on, evaluate and refine their work, developing independence, resilience and a positive attitude towards creative challenges. We strive to ensure that every child is both supported and challenged, enabling them to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong appreciation and understanding of art.

How We Teach Art

We follow the Grammarsaurus Art curriculum to ensure clear progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary across the school.

Children explore drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and mixed media through carefully planned units of work.
Pupils study a diverse range of artists, illustrators, architects, designers and craft makers from different cultures and historical periods.
Artistic vocabulary, techniques and processes are explicitly taught and revisited.
Children are encouraged to observe, experiment, take creative risks and develop their own artistic style.
Sketchbooks are used to record ideas, practise techniques, experiment and evaluate artistic outcomes.
Opportunities for reflection and discussion help children evaluate and improve their work.
Creativity, individuality and the artistic process are valued just as highly as the finished piece.

Supporting Art at Home

Parents can support their child's artistic development by encouraging drawing, painting, model making and other creative activities at home. Visiting galleries, museums and local exhibitions can also help children develop a greater appreciation of art and design.

Useful resources:

KS1 Art and Design – BBC Bitesize
KS2 Art and Design – BBC Bitesize

At Hanley St Luke’s, we want every child to leave with the confidence to create, the skills to express themselves and a deep appreciation of the power and purpose of art.