Art and Design

Our intent at Gulval School in Art and Design is

We want to give children the confidence to challenge themselves and develop curiosity about new artistic skills and techniques. We want there to be no limits to their ambitions, to be confident to try new approaches and be positive about their artistic expressions.

We want to develop a collaborative culture where children take inspiration from each other and are motivated to find their strengths. We want to develop their ability to communicate and express ideas, opinions and feelings about their own work and the work of others.

We want our children to use the local area as inspiration, to learn from other cultures and to respect diversity. We encourage children to express their thoughts and ideas about the world through art, as well as learning about the rich heritage and culture of the British Isles and beyond.

We want to inspire, engage and challenge pupils; to equip them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. We want to ensure children combine practical skills with creative thinking, developing highly valuable transferrable skills for future careers and life.

Intent, Implementation, Impact

Scope Nursery Sequence Drawing Sequence Painting Sequence Sculpture and 3D Art Sequence

At Gulval School, our Art curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, curiosity and a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts. Each year, children explore the work of carefully selected artists, craft makers and designers from a range of cultures, time periods and artistic movements. Through studying these significant artists, pupils develop an understanding of different artistic styles, techniques and creative processes while learning how art reflects and shapes the world around us.

Our curriculum is built on a progressive sequence of knowledge and skills, enabling children to revisit and refine key artistic techniques as they move through the school. Beginning with simple exploration and experimentation in the early years, pupils gradually develop greater confidence and control in drawing, painting and sculpture. By studying the work of a focus artist and applying similar techniques within their own creations, children learn to think critically, express their ideas creatively and evaluate their work with increasing sophistication.

As pupils progress through the school, they build upon prior learning, deepen their understanding of artistic concepts and develop their own unique artistic voice. Through this journey, we aim to nurture resilient, reflective and independent young artists who take pride in their work and recognise the value of art as a form of communication, expression and cultural understanding.