Art

Intent

At Godolphin Primary School, our intent is to provide an inspiring and inclusive art curriculum that nurtures creativity, self-expression and a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.

Through art, we encourage our pupils to be Curious – to explore ideas, materials and techniques with confidence and imagination. Our curriculum enables children to ask questions, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice.

We value Kindness in our art lessons by creating a safe and respectful environment where all children feel confident to express themselves, learn from mistakes and appreciate each other’s perspectives and efforts. Children are encouraged to reflect on their own work and that of others in a thoughtful and supportive way.

Being Connected underpins our approach to art. We link learning to artists, movements, cultures and current issues, helping children see the relevance of art in their lives and the world around them. Art is also connected across the curriculum, enriching learning in subjects such as history, science and literacy.

Our aim is for all pupils to leave Godolphin with a strong foundation in artistic knowledge and skills, the ability to think creatively and the confidence to explore and communicate through visual media.

Implementation

To achieve our vision for art, we use the AccessArt Primary Art Curriculum, a nationally respected scheme used by thousands of schools across the UK. It provides a rich, broad, balanced, diverse and engaging programme of study that supports progression in artistic skills and understanding from EYFS to Year 6.

The AccessArt curriculum is structured around key strands including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media and digital art. Units are carefully designed to build technical skills over time while offering flexibility for children to explore, reflect and make their own creative choices. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of contemporary and historical artists, designers and craftspeople from diverse backgrounds, helping them make meaningful connections with the wider world.

At the heart of our curriculum is the use of sketchbooks, which are central to each child’s creative journey. Sketchbooks are used regularly across all year groups to collect ideas, practise techniques, respond to artwork and reflect on personal progress. They are not simply used to record finished outcomes but serve as spaces for exploration, risk-taking and creative thinking – promoting independence and ownership of learning.

Each project guides pupils through the creative process – from initial exploration of materials and generating ideas, to refining techniques and presenting final pieces. Children are encouraged to take creative risks and experiment freely, building resilience, curiosity and confidence in their artistic thinking.

We foster collaborative and connected art experiences, including group or community projects, educational visits and opportunities to work alongside practising artists. Real-life inspiration and cross-curricular links enrich our provision, making learning relevant and memorable. Artwork is regularly celebrated and displayed across the school and beyond, instilling pride and building a culture that values artistic expression.

Through engaging, high-quality art teaching – rooted in our school drivers of Curious, Kind, and Connected – we aim to nurture confident, thoughtful and imaginative young artists who are equipped to take their place in a creative and culturally rich world.