We expect every child to be curious, expressive and confident in exploring the visual world. Through hands-on experiences and creative risk-taking, pupils connect with the work and practices of artists and designers, past and present. Along their journey, they develop a strong creative voice and grow in confidence as they explore and express ideas with imagination and purpose.

Our Art and Design curriculum balances practical, theoretical and disciplinary knowledge. It builds strong artistic skills while encouraging pupils to think critically about the role of art in their lives and the wider world. We value the creative process and support pupils to take risks, reflect and experiment. The curriculum is based on several key areas of making such as drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printing and digital art. These are revisited each year with increasing complexity. Lessons are structured into three progressive half-termly blocks, allowing for depth and clear progression across all phases. Pupils develop proficiency in a wide range of media, including charcoal, clay, watercolour and mixed media, with special emphasis placed on learning and practising the formal elements of art as essential tools for visual communication. In EYFS, pupils explore media and materials through play and adult-led activities, laying the groundwork for creativity and self-expression. In Key Stage One, our pupils use their imagination and experiences as inspiration, begin using sketchbooks and learn about artists and designers. By Key Stage Two, pupils refine their skills, develop mastery in various techniques and reflect on their work in the context of significant artistic movements.

Creativity is central to life at St John’s, with pupils’ work celebrated in quality displays that value both process and outcome. Cross-curricular links and extra-curricular activities like art competitions and trips enrich learning. This inclusive curriculum helps pupils become confident, reflective artists ready to continue their creative journeys beyond primary school.