Art Curriculum

Intent

At Marlborough Road Academy, we aim to deliver a high-quality art curriculum that inspires pupils to think creatively, work innovatively and developa strong foundationof artistic knowledge and skills.

We follow the United Learning EYFS curriculum in Nursery and Reception, and the National Curriculum in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Through this, pupils develop skills across drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles, 3D work and digital art.

Our curriculum is designed to enable pupils to:

• Explore, experiment and evaluate creative ideas

• Develop procedural knowledge and confidence across a range of media

• Express their own thoughts, interests and individuality through art

We actively promote resilience and creativity by encouraging pupils to view mistakes as a valuable part of the artistic process. Pupils are supported to reflect on their work and refine it purposefully.

Children are introduced to a diverse range of artists and develop knowledge of artistic styles,techniques and vocabulary. Over time, pupils gain an understanding of how art and design reflect and shape history, and contribute to the culture,creativity and wealth of society.

Implementation

Our approach to teaching art is underpinned by Rosenshine’sPrinciples of Instruction and is structured to ensure progression,accessibility and depth of learning.

Key features of our implementation include:

• A carefully sequenced cycle of lessons that builds knowledge and skills progressively

• Pre-learning quizzes to assess prior knowledge and inform teaching

• Clear scaffolding to ensure all pupils can access and succeed in lessons

• Knowledge organisers that support understanding of key concepts and vocabulary

• Planned opportunities to celebrate and display pupils’ work across the school

Pupils use sketchbooks throughout their time in school to:

• Practise and refine techniques

• Explore different media

• Record ideas and reflect on progress

These sketchbooks provide a clear journey of each pupil’s artistic development over time.

Impact

Our curriculum is designed to ensure clear progression in knowledge and skills across all year groups. Pupils who are secure in the curriculumare able to demonstrate increasing confidence, independence and creativity.

We evaluate impact through:

• Assessment of work against planned outcomes

• High-quality displays that showcase progression across year groups

• Post-learning quizzes that assess knowledge retention and understanding

• Pupil discussions, where children articulate their thinking, processes and evaluations using appropriate art vocabulary

The art curriculum also contributes significantly to pupils’ cultural capital. All pupils are given equal opportunities to develop their artistic skills, discover their talents and express themselves creatively, supporting both personal development and character growth.