ART LEADER: Michaela Hoppins

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” — Edgar Degas

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” — Maya Angelou

“Our ambassador school trip was great fun because we got to watch and talk to many artists at work and we made a collage and created some repeated patterns” said Ella after a visit to East Quay Art Gallery in Watchet.

“I loved art week this year because I worked with Scott Walker creating cool graffiti and I can notwait to help bury our ‘hopes and dreams’ time capsule” explained Penelope (Y3).

 

INTENT

At Eastover Primary School, our art curriculum is designed to inspire imagination, creativity and a willingness to take risks, while remaining fully inclusive for every child. We aim to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum by providing a broad and balanced programme that ensures the progressive development of knowledge and skills. Pupils are encouraged to observe and record from first-hand experiences as well as from their imagination, while developing growing control over a range of materials and tools. Through this, children acquire independence in a variety of artistic techniques and processes and begin to develop an understanding of key elements such as colour, pattern, texture, line, tone, shape, form and space. We foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts, alongside building knowledge of significant artists, architects and designers. Pupils are supported to develop critical awareness of the role and purpose of art across different times and cultures, using appropriate artistic vocabulary and making meaningful cross-curricular links where appropriate.

Our teaching aims to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the skills and confidence to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As they progress through the school, children are encouraged to think critically about both their own work and that of the artists they study, exploring ideas and recording their experiences in increasingly thoughtful ways. Pupils develop proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture and other artistic disciplines, and learn to evaluate and analyse creative work using the language of art. They also gain an appreciation of both traditional and contemporary artists and, where possible, benefit from opportunities to work alongside members of the local artistic community. This is further enriched through events such as our collaborative Art Week, where pupils work together and with visiting artists to create shared pieces, fostering teamwork, creativity and a strong sense of pride in collective achievement.

Implementation
At Eastover Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum is delivered through the Kapow Primary scheme, which provides a well-structured and progressive approach to developing pupils’ artistic knowledge and skills. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build upon prior learning, ensuring that children revisit and deepen their understanding of key concepts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and craft. Through Kapow, pupils are introduced to a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople, enabling them to explore different styles, cultures and historical contexts.

Lessons are designed to be practical and engaging, allowing pupils to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques while developing their confidence and creativity. Teachers use clear modelling and subject-specific vocabulary to support children in refining their skills and articulating their ideas. Opportunities for sketchbook use are embedded across the curriculum, encouraging pupils to record observations, develop ideas and reflect on their artistic journey. Cross-curricular links are made where appropriate to enrich learning, while ensuring that art remains a distinct and valued subject.

Assessment is ongoing and is used to inform teaching and ensure that all pupils are supported and challenged effectively. Adaptations are made so that every child can access the curriculum, fostering an inclusive environment where all pupils can succeed and express themselves creatively.

Impact
The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is evident in the high quality of pupils’ work and the pride they take in their creative outcomes. Children develop a secure understanding of artistic techniques and processes, and are able to apply these independently across a range of projects. They demonstrate increasing confidence in experimenting, refining their ideas and evaluating their own work, using appropriate artistic vocabulary.

Pupils leave Eastover with a broad appreciation of art and design, having explored a range of artists and cultural influences. They show curiosity, resilience and a willingness to take creative risks, which supports their wider learning and personal development. Sketchbooks provide a clear record of progression, showcasing how skills and ideas develop over time.

Ultimately, our curriculum ensures that all pupils develop creativity, imagination and a lifelong interest in art and design, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need for the next stage of their education.

Eastover ART week

During our annual whole-school Art Week in the summer term, pupils take part in an immersive, collaborative project that involves a visiting artist. Each year is centred around a shared theme, enabling all classes to contribute to a large-scale piece that reflects the creativity and collective identity of the school. Many children work alongside the artist to explore new techniques and ideas, culminating in a final outcome that is proudly displayed within the school environment. Previous projects have included the creation of a totem pole, graffiti boards (as shown above) and a storytelling chair, all of which showcase pupils’ creativity, teamwork and sense of ownership. This enriching experience not only enhances pupils’ understanding of artistic processes but also fosters a strong sense of community and celebration of the arts across Eastover. 

ART and Oracy

At Eastover, students will be involved in rich discussions, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations of artworks. Through exploratory talk, students express their ideas, respond to peers' perspectives, and develop critical thinking skills. Teachers foster dialogue that deepens understanding and appreciation of artistic concepts, techniques, and cultural contexts. Oracy is integrated into every aspect of the art curriculum, from analysing masterpieces to creating original works.

 

National Curriculum - Art and design key stages 1 to 2

LONG TERM PLAN -Kapow units studied

 

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Year 1	Drawing -exploring line and shape Sculpture and 3D -creation station	Craft and design -woven wonders	Painting and mixed media -Colour Splash
Year 2	Draw -Understand tone and texture	Painting and mixed media- Life in colour	Sculpture and 3D-clayhouses
Year 3	Painting and mixed media (Prehistoric Art) Structure and 3D-abstract shape and space	Drawing -developing drawing skills	Craft and design-Ancient Egyptian scrolls
Year 4	Drawing -powder paints	Painting and mixed media; light and dark	Sculpture and 3D- Mega materials
Year 5	Drawing -depth, emotion and movement	Painting and mixed media -Portraits	Sculpture and 3D-interactive installation
Year 6	Drawing -expressing ideas	Painting and mixed media -Artist study	Sculpture and Making memories