The intent of the Art and Design curriculum within Langley Park Primary Academy is to equip pupils with the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes to be lifelong learners and conscientious global citizens. This allows our children to develop as individuals under our Learner Profile Attributes. All leaders are ambitious in regards to each subject providing an educational diet which enables each child, regardless of circumstance, to be the best version of themselves.

Organised within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the Art and Design programme of study has been designed to ensure learning is logically planned and sequenced whilst still adhering to the National Curriculum programme of studies. Through a transdisciplinary lens, pupils are able to make authentic connections with previous, current and future learning which results in knowledge which “sticks” and equips pupils with the cultural capital they need to succeed in life long term. 

At Langley Park Primary Academy, we believe that art is a vital part of children’s education, with a significant and valuable role in the taught curriculum and the enrichment opportunities we offer our pupils. The art curriculum will develop children’s critical abilities, as well as an understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritages through the study of a diverse range of artists. Children will develop their understanding of the visual language of art with effective teaching and considered sequences of lessons and experiences. Understanding of the visual elements of art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form) will be developed by providing a curriculum which will enable children to reach their full potential.

The teaching of skills and knowledge is thoroughly planned to ensure there is a clear sequence in learning across the subject. Timetables are designed to allow for integrated subject teaching where there are clear expectations for planning and delivery of each subject. Teachers plan to meet the needs of their pupils whilst still meeting the needs of the National Curriculum. Children are given the opportunity and encouraged to have agency and direct their own learning with the class teacher facilitating the learning which includes the digital strategy.

Teaching and learning opportunities are identified across the curriculum which creates further opportunities for the children to apply their skills and knowledge and thus enables them to develop and hone their skills over time. 

Through the Primary Careers programme, children are given opportunities to visit places which will enhance their understanding of the knowledge and skills taught, along with visitors to school which aim to challenge stereotypes and create ambitious learners with a drive to succeed in life.

Teachers assess using a range of strategies to check understanding which is used to inform planning and future teaching to ensure children do not have gaps in their learning. 

The structure of the art curriculum ensures that children are able to develop their knowledge and understanding of the work of artists, craftspeople and designers from a range of times and cultures and apply this knowledge to their own work. The consistent use of children’s sketchbooks means that children are able to review, modify and develop their initial ideas in order to achieve high quality outcomes. Children learn to understand and apply the key principles of art: line, tone, texture, shape, form, space, pattern, colour, contrast, composition, proportion and perspective. The opportunity for children to refine and develop their techniques over time is supported by effective lesson sequencing and progression between year groups. This also supports children in achieving age related expectations at the end of their cohort year.

Classroom displays reflect the children’s sense of pride in their artwork and this is also demonstrated by creative outcomes across the wider curriculum. The school environment also celebrates children’s achievements in art and demonstrates the subject’s high status in the school, with outcomes, including sculptures, enhancing the outdoor, as well as indoor, environment. The Art curriculum at Langley Park Primary Academy contributes to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. Children will achieve age related expectations in Art at the end of their cohort year.

For all pupils, the Art curriculum will promote achievement, confidence and commitment to learning for all. 

Staff will receive CPD where necessary to ensure they are able to understand how the curriculum impacts knowledge, skills and understanding. This is tracked effectively across the year groups to inform next steps, including challenge. This takes the form of assessment, but also pupil voice, inquiry books and tracking. 

Learning in all year groups is progressive to ensure no time is wasted by repeating skills and understanding. Prior knowledge is identified at the start of each new inquiry. 

Impact is assessed using formative and summative assessment. Each year group tracks and evaluates the skills taught across the National Curriculum and evidence of progress is noted on the coverage document. 

Monitoring is also conducted by middle and senior leaders along with Governors and Academy Directors. This informs discussions around next steps. Pupil voice is also collated regularly through the School Council, Questionnaires and Learner Profile evaluations. 

The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time across key stages relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Langley Park Primary Academy reaching at least age-related expectations for Art and Design. Our Art and Design curriculum will also lead pupils to be enthusiastic Art and Design learners, evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their final pieces and sketchbooks. We ensure that children who are achieving well, as well as those who need additional support, are identified, and additional provision and strategies are planned in and discussed with class teachers. Achievements are celebrated in classrooms during walking-galleries and corridor displays, and by building in increasing connections with local galleries, we aim to develop our future artists and their appreciation of the art around them.

Information for parents is shared through the school website, weekly newsletters and parent workshops. Parental views on the impact of the curriculum is a focus for questionnaires throughout the academic year.