At Newlands, we believe that Art enables children to develop creativity, visual thinking, self-expression, and an appreciation of culture. Our curriculum is designed so every child can explore ideas, experiment with materials, and develop the technical skills needed to communicate visually with increasing confidence and independence.

The curriculum is sequenced so that skills, knowledge, and techniques build progressively from EYFS to Year 6. In EYFS, children explore colour, texture, shape, and pattern using a range of materials (paint, collage, drawing tools). They develop fine motor skills through mark‑making and express ideas through imaginative artwork. In KS1, the emphasis is on developing control in drawing, painting, and sculpture while exploring line, shape, form, colour, and pattern. The children learn about a range of artists and begin to evaluate their own work and that of others. In KS2, children refine techniques in drawing, painting, printing, collage, and 3D work, study great artists, architects, and designers across cultures and time periods and develop composition, perspective, and more advanced use of colour and tone. Across both key stages, sketchbooks are used to record ideas, while in KS2 children are encouraged to reflect on their work and evaluate their work with increasing independence.

How we deliver our curriculum

Art is taught through a combination of discrete lessons, cross‑curricular links, and creative enrichment. There are regular Art lessons across the year, with units mapped to ensure progression. Sketchbooks are used from Year 1 upwards to develop ideas and track progress and within lessons there is clear modelling of techniques, followed by guided practice and independent exploration. Our curriculum id designed so that key skills (drawing, painting, sculpture) are revisited with increasing complexity throughout their time at Newlands. The children are exposed to diverse artists to broaden their cultural understanding. Children are encouraged to take part in whole school activities such as the annual design a Christmas card activity and children’s work is regularly displayed throughout the school.

How we support everyone to learn

The Newlands art curriculum is designed, so every child can participate meaningfully. Tasks are differentiated to allow children to work at their own level following step‑by‑step demonstrations and visual prompts. Where necessary, adapted tools such as thicker brushes are used and children are encouraged to express ideas in ways appropriate to them. For children with SEND needs, personalised adjustments based on sensory, motor, or cognitive needs are made, additional adult support is provided and pre‑teaching of techniques or vocabulary is utilised. Less confident learners are encouraged to explore personal style and the emphasis is on experimentation rather than perfection and the process rather than comparison. Our higher-attaining children are encouraged to help with displays and support their peers during lessons.