Art and Design

Intent for Art and Design

At Edison Primary School, our art and design curriculum — delivered through the Kapow Art scheme — is designed to engage, inspire and challenge every child. Pupils explore their imagination, express their ideas confidently and develop creativity through a variety of artistic experiences.

Pupils become enthusiastic and motivated artists who show resilience, take pride in their creativity and express themselves with increasing independence. 

Implementation for Art and Design 

Throughout the school, children learn about great artists, craft makers, architects and designers, developing an understanding of the historical and cultural development of their art forms, and they learn to evaluate and analyse creative work using the language of art, craft and design.

Our curriculum develops technical skills, creativity and visual literacy alongside an understanding of different cultural traditions, enabling pupils to appreciate art as a powerful form of communication and identity, and to recognise its role in the wider world. 

EYFS Implementation

High-quality art provision in EYFS is centred on child-led exploration, creativity and self-expression. To support their development in Expressive Arts and Design, children have regular access to a wide range of materials, tools and techniques that encourage experimentation and independent thinking. Open-ended creative experiences allow children to explore ideas, develop fine motor skills, solve problems and communicate their thoughts and feelings. By valuing the creative process, children build confidence, imagination, resilience and a lifelong appreciation of creativity that supports their learning in art and design. 

KS1 Implementation

In Key Stage 1, pupils explore a variety of art materials, techniques and mixed media through engaging, practical activities, using them creatively to build their knowledge of the formal elements: colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space. They develop fine motor skills by drawing, painting and sculpting with increasing control and confidence. Children are encouraged to express their ideas, feelings and imagination through their artwork while building resilience and creativity. 

KS2 Implementation

In Key Stage 2, pupils extend their artistic skills through developing shading, tone and painting techniques. They use sketchbooks to record their observations and to review and revisit ideas, improving their mastery of technique with materials such as pencil, charcoal, paint and clay. Pupils evaluate their own and their peers’ work, making thoughtful improvements and reflecting critically on their creative choices. 

Impact for Art and Design

Children leave Edison as curious and confident artists who think critically and understand how art reflects and shapes the world around them. 

whole school curriculum maps the arts 1 .pdf