Intent

At Swalwell Primary School, we intend to provide an opportunity for learners to develop key elements of art and design throughout the curriculum, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and 3D art which progress across each year group. These key skills are mapped out in a progression of knowledge and skills document to ensure clear progression across each year group in both substantive and implicit knowledge and skills. We also map out great artists and designers, which the children will be introduced to each unit and provide time to explore their impact on the specific art form. We believe it is vital to stimulate creativity and imagination in all children through an inclusive art and design curriculum, providing visual, tactile, and sensory experiences that can be accessed by all learners. 

Implementation

At Swalwell Primary School, we believe every child is an artist in their own right. Our art and design curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, imagination, and self-expression through a wide range of experiences.

Children explore key artistic skills—such as drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and 3D art—through carefully planned lessons that build year on year. These skills are mapped out in our progression documents to ensure clear development in both practical techniques and creative thinking.

Each unit introduces children to influential artists and designers, helping them understand the impact of their work and encouraging them to reflect on different styles and approaches.

We are proud to offer an inclusive curriculum that provides visual, tactile, and sensory experiences accessible to all learners. Our aim is to nurture confident, curious, and creative individuals who enjoy expressing themselves through art.

Impact

Pupil progress is assessed at the end of the unit of work by both the teacher and the child. Children are encouraged to be reflective and evaluate their work in their art portfolios, focusing specifically on the implicit knowledge and skills that have been developed in that unit. 

Please see the links for the school's Medium Term Plans and skill progression. If you would like any further information regarding our Art and Design curriculum, then please contact the school.   

Inclusion

At Swalwell Primary School, pupil progress in art and design is assessed at the end of each unit by both the teacher and the child. We encourage children to reflect on their learning and evaluate their work in personal art portfolios, focusing on the key skills and knowledge they’ve developed.

This reflective approach helps children understand their own progress and take pride in their creative journey.

You can explore our Medium Term Plans and Skill Progression Documents by clicking the links below. If you’d like more information about our Art & Design curriculum, please don’t hesitate to contact the school or speak to your child’s class teacher.

Art and Design Champions

We currently have 6 Art Champions, who support their peers, promote confidence within Art, discuss plans and ideas for the subject, share their views and help to deliver assemblies.