Intent
At The Sky Academy, the intent of the Art curriculum is to inspire creativity, imagination, and self-expression while developing pupils’ technical artistic skills. Art provides children with opportunities to explore ideas, experiment with materials, and communicate their thoughts, feeling, and experiences visually.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure students:
- develop confidence in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other artistic techniques.
- gain knowledge of a wide range of artists, designers, and craftspeople from different cultures and historic periods.
- understand how art reflects and influences history, culture, and society.
- build visual literacy, enabling pupils to interpret, analyse, and discuss artworks.
- develop resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills through creative exploration.
- use sketchbooks to record observations, experiment with ideas, and develop personal responses.
We aim for pupils to leave school with an appreciation of art and creativity, as well as the confidence to express themselves visually.
Implementation
The Art curriculum is delivered through carefully planned lessons that build knowledge, skills, and understanding progressively over time.
Teaching and Learning
Art lessons include opportunities for pupils to:
- explore drawing, painting, printing, collage, sculpture, and digital art.
- study and analyse the work of significant artists.
- develop technical skills such as colour mixing, shading, texture, and composition.
- experiment with a variety of materials and tools.
- reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others.
Curriculum Structure
Our curriculum is structured so that:
- skills progress from basic techniques to more complex artistic processes.
- pupils revisit and refine key skills over time.
- art units may link to topics in subjects such as history, geography, and literature, where appropriate.
Sketchbooks
Sketchbooks are used to:
- record ideas and observations
- practice techniques
- develop designs before creating final pieces
- reflect on artistic development
Cultural and Artistic Awareness
Pupils study artists such as:
- Vincent van Gogh
- Frida Kahlo
- Pablo Picasso
- Yayoi Kusama
This helps pupils understand different styles, movements, and cultural influences in art.
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing and includes:
- observation of practical work
- review of sketchbooks
- discussions and evaluations of artwork
- final pieces demonstrating applied skills
Teachers use assessment to inform future planning and ensure progression.
Impact
The impact of the Art curriculum is demonstrated through pupils’:
Artistic Skills
Pupils show increasing ability to:
- draw with accuracy and detail
- use colour, tone, and texture effectively
- experiment with materials and techniques
- develop original ideas
Knowledge and Understanding
Pupils can:
- discuss the work of artists and artistic movements
- understand how art reflects different cultures and time periods
- use appropriate artistic vocabulary
Creativity and Confidence
Pupils develop:
- confidence in expressing their ideas visually
- pride in the creative work
- a willingness to experiment and take creative risks
Outcomes
Evidence of impact can be seen through:
- high-quality artwork displayed across the school
- progression in sketchbooks over time
- pupils articulating their ideas and artistic choices
- engagement and enjoyment in art lessons
By the time pupils leave our school, they will have developed a strong foundation of artistic skills, knowledge, and creativity, enabling them to appreciate art and continue their creative journey.
