Art & Design - Curriculum Intent

At Gurnard Primary School, our art curriculum is rooted in the belief that art is far more than a series of technical skills; it is a powerful tool for nurturing creative thinking, fostering personal growth, and connecting us to the world around us. We are dedicated to integrating our core values of Respect, Success, and Belonging into every aspect of our art education, ensuring that each student feels valued, inspired, and capable of achieving their creative potential.

Respect: In alignment with the principles of the AccessArt Curriculum, we foster respect for the diverse ways art can reflect and shape our world. Our curriculum encourages students to explore the work of a wide range of artists, craftspeople, and designers from both local and global backgrounds. Through this exploration, students learn to respect not only the work of others but also their own creative contributions.

Success: Success in our art program is defined by the growth and development of each student's creative abilities. The AccessArt Curriculum supports this by providing a holistic approach to art education that balances knowledge with experiential learning. Students are equipped with a wide range of technical skills and encouraged to develop self-knowledge and confidence in their creative decisions. By focusing on both the technical and conceptual aspects of art, we ensure that students can see a clear progression in their skills while also feeling empowered to think creatively and independently.

Belonging: Belonging is key to helping our students thrive. Art provides a space where every child feels included and understood. By encouraging teamwork, empathy, and support for one another, we build a sense of belonging that brings our school community closer together.

Implementation

Our curriculum offers children frequent opportunities to develop their practical skills using a wide range of media, aligned with the AccessArt philosophy that progression in art is not strictly linear. We value all student work, documenting it in sketchbooks, which allows us to capture moments of creativity, collaboration, and self-evaluation. This approach not only nurtures creativity but also builds confidence and a sense of achievement in every student.

In each unit, students engage with a range of media and techniques while exploring the work of an artist, craftsperson, or designer. They are encouraged to practice existing skills and learn new ones. 

Reflective practice is integral to our approach, with self-evaluation supported by peer and teacher critiques throughout each unit. This helps students develop a deeper understanding of their work and its place in the broader artistic context. 

At Gurnard Primary School, our art curriculum is designed to be inclusive, inspiring, and empowering, aligning with our values of Respect, Success, and Belonging. Through art, we aim to help our students understand their place in the world as creative, confident individuals who are capable of making a meaningful impact.