Reception
In Reception Art, children begin their creative journey by exploring different artistic techniques and materials. They learn about self-portraits, using Picasso’s work as inspiration to mix and blend colours while applying paint carefully with a brush. Through mosaic-making, they study Sonia King’s designs, arranging shapes and patterns to create superhero shields. Pupils experiment with oil pastels to observe and recreate animal prints, outlining simple shapes with darker colours to add depth. They also explore 3D art by crafting papier-mâché sculptures of planets, learning how to mould and layer materials before painting their creations. Collage work introduces them to Brianna McCarthy’s portrait style, where they carefully select and arrange cut-up materials to form images. Printing activities help them understand how objects, sponges, and rags can be used to create patterns, leading to their own steam train artwork. By experimenting with colour, shape, texture, and composition, Reception pupils develop their artistic skills while building confidence in self-expression.
Year One
In Year 1 Art, pupils explore a variety of artistic techniques and traditions, developing their observation skills and creativity. They learn about Aboriginal art, understanding how Indigenous Australians use dots, lines, and symbols to tell stories about the land, animals, and traditions. Using earthy tones like red, yellow, and brown, pupils create their own respectful interpretations of Aboriginal-inspired artwork. They also discover sculptor Pippa Hill, whose detailed animal sculptures in bronze and clay highlight the importance of texture and form. Pupils experiment with pressing, pinching, and scratching clay to create different textures in their own animal sculptures. Additionally, they study the land art of Andrew Goldsworthy, learning how natural materials such as leaves, stones, and twigs can be arranged into temporary outdoor artworks. Through sketching, colouring, and crafting, Year 1 pupils develop their artistic skills while exploring the beauty of nature and cultural storytelling.
Sofia says she likes Art especially when they made clay animals inspired by Pippa Hill.
Year Two
In Year 2 Art, pupils build on their creative skills by exploring different artistic techniques and learning about influential artists. They study Emma Majury’s collage and printing methods, experimenting with cut-out shapes, layered textures, and mixed materials to create expressive illustrations. Through overlapping and arranging materials like paper, fabric, and magazine cuttings, pupils learn how composition, balance, and texture enhance a piece of art. They also explore the bold, expressive brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh, discovering how colour and movement can convey emotions in paintings. By mixing primary colours to create secondary shades and experimenting with tones and tints, pupils develop their understanding of colour relationships. Additionally, they investigate the techniques of Karin Zeller, practicing oil pastel methods such as layering, blending, scraping, and sgraffito to create vibrant artwork. Whether making collages, prints, paintings, or pastel designs, Year 2 pupils refine their observational skills and explore new ways to express their creativity through shape, texture, and colour.
Year Three
In Year 3 Art, pupils explore different artistic styles and historical influences, developing their understanding of cultural expression through time. They learn about prehistoric art, discovering how early humans used natural pigments and simple tools like fingers, bones, and feathers to create cave paintings depicting animals, hunting scenes, and handprints. Using charcoal and earthy tones, pupils experiment with mark-making and shading techniques to add texture to their drawings. They also study mosaics from the Roman Empire and the vibrant architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, arranging small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramics to create geometric and nature-inspired designs held together with grout. Additionally, pupils are introduced to modernist artists like Fernando Botero and Tarsila do Amaral, exploring how exaggerated forms, abstract shapes, and bright colours can express emotions and ideas in art. Through sketching, painting, and mosaic-making, Year 3 pupils refine their artistic techniques while embracing creativity and experimentation.
Oceana says that art is one of her favourite subjects because she loves drawing and painting.
Millie says that she likes drawing and how to make her drawings get better!
Year Four
In Year 4 Art, pupils explore a range of artistic styles, techniques, and historical influences, deepening their understanding of creativity and expression. They study Leonardo da Vinci, learning about his intricate anatomical ink drawings and experimenting with line work, hatching, and stippling to create tone and texture. Pupils also examine the Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo Helmet, understanding how burial masks were crafted from metals like iron, bronze, and gold to symbolise power and protection. They develop their skills in sketching and shading, using different materials such as charcoal, pencil, and ink. Additionally, pupils are introduced to Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s surrealist portraits, creating imaginative compositions using fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Through oil pastel techniques like layering, blending, and sgraffito, they explore how colour and texture can add depth and vibrancy. Finally, they study Henri Rousseau’s dreamlike jungle paintings, practicing perspective, bold colours, and overlapping layers to create atmospheric scenes inspired by nature. Year 4 pupils refine their artistic abilities while embracing innovation and self-expression.
Year Five
In Year 5 Art, pupils deepen their understanding of artistic techniques and historical influences while refining their creative skills. They explore Ancient Egyptian canopic jars, learning how these decorated storage containers were used in mummification to preserve organs for the afterlife. Using papier-mâché, they experiment with layering and moulding techniques to create their own sculptures, ensuring thorough drying before painting intricate designs. Pupils also study Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave, discovering the traditional woodblock printing process and practicing relief printing techniques with layers of ink to build colour and depth. They further examine Greek art, recognising how marble and bronze statues conveyed realism, power, and devotion in temples and public spaces. Additionally, they explore hyperrealism through the work of Scottish artist Paul Cadden, using shading, fine details, and perspective techniques to create lifelike sketches. By working with various materials, refining perspective, and applying different artistic methods, Year 5 pupils develop their ability to express movement, texture, and realism in their artwork.
Chinemerem says she likes to recreate masterpieces like the Great Wave!
Julita says art is important so that we can show our creativity and our talents.
Hokusai Katsushika - The Great Wave
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Hokusai Katsushika - The Great Wave
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Hokusai Katsushika - The Great Wave
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Hokusai Katsushika - The Great Wave
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Year Six
In Year 6 Art, pupils refine their artistic techniques while exploring cultural symbolism, sculpture, and expressive painting. They study Viking brooches, learning how these decorative fasteners represented status and identity, and experiment with embossing foil to create Viking-style pendants featuring Norse patterns and symbols. Through sketching and shading exercises, pupils develop their ability to add depth and texture to their work. They also examine the sculptures of Anthony Gormley, particularly Another Place, observing how human figures interact with the changing natural environment. Using clay, they practice shaping and structuring techniques to form realistic or abstract human figures. Additionally, pupils explore the emotionally rich self-portraits of Frida Kahlo, understanding how she conveyed her life experiences through surreal and symbolic imagery. By experimenting with composition, colour contrasts, and symbolism, pupils learn to express emotions and ideas through painting. Through sculpture, embossing, and expressive painting, Year 6 pupils develop their artistic identity while applying advanced techniques in form, texture, and meaning.