Art and Design Curriculum Statement
Intent
At Mousehole School, our Art and Design curriculum aims to nurture creativity, curiosity and confidence in every child. We believe that art plays an essential role in the emotional, social, physical and cognitive development of all learners. Through a broad range of visual, tactile and sensory experiences, pupils learn to express themselves imaginatively while developing an appreciation for how art shapes our lives, cultures and communities. Our intent is for all children to build strong foundational skills, develop a rich artistic vocabulary and gain the confidence to communicate their ideas through a range of creative media.
Implementation
Our curriculum is carefully structured to ensure that pupils build knowledge and skills progressively from EYFS through to Year 6. - In EYFS and KS1 children focus on developing core artistic techniques in drawing, painting and sculpture, giving pupils secure foundations. - KS2 introduces thematic units, where children refine these skills through symbolism, mixed media and 3D work. Every unit follows a clear learning sequence that includes retrieval of prior learning, explicit teaching of new skills and vocabulary, and opportunities for pupils to explore the work of a wide range of artists and designers. Assessment is embedded through ongoing feedback, end‑point quizzes and structured opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning. Each unit concludes with a composite final piece, allowing children to apply their knowledge in a meaningful and creative way.
Impact
By the time they leave Mousehole School, we aspire for pupils to be confident, reflective and expressive young artists. They can talk about their work using subject‑specific vocabulary, make informed creative choices and evaluate their outcomes thoughtfully. Work produced across the school shows clear progression, ambition and pride. Most importantly, children develop a lasting enjoyment of the visual arts and an appreciation of the important role art plays in shaping the world around them.