Art and Design Intent

At Farsley Westroyd, we use the Kapow Art and Design scheme as a guide to inspire our pupils to become confident and creative thinkers with a strong ability to experiment, invent, and express themselves through art. Our aim is for pupils to develop the confidence to explore their ideas, nurture their individual talents and interests, and express their thoughts about the world around them, while deepening their understanding of art across cultures and through history.

Through our approach to art and design, we aim to foster an appreciation of the diversity of artistic expression and its impact on society and culture. Pupils are encouraged to engage with the works of significant artists, craft makers, and designers from different periods and regions, helping them to understand the role of art in shaping and reflecting the world. This exploration supports children in recognising the value of creativity, the power of visual communication, and the connections between art and other areas of learning.

Our curriculum supports pupils in building their technical skills while promoting the confidence to experiment with different tools, materials, and techniques. By engaging in a wide range of artistic processes, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, pupils develop their ability to respond imaginatively and critically to their own work and that of others. Through hands-on learning and reflection, we aim to equip pupils with the skills and mindset needed to conduct their own artistic enquiries and express their unique perspectives.

Aligned with the National Curriculum, our approach ensures pupils meet the end-of-Key-Stage attainment targets in Art and Design. The scheme also incorporates the National Society for Education in Art and Design’s progression competencies, ensuring a robust foundation for further learning. In Early Years, our curriculum links to the Expressive Arts and Design Development Matters statements and Early Learning Goals, laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of art.

By following Kapow Primary’s revised Art and Design scheme, we provide pupils with every opportunity to develop their abilities, nurture their creativity, and cultivate a lasting appreciation of art as a form of expression and innovation.

 

Subject Strands

At Farsley Westroyd, our Art and Design curriculum is built around five key strands that form the foundation for developing creativity and artistic understanding: Generating Ideas, which encourages pupils to explore their own thoughts and observations as starting points for creativity; Using Sketchbooks, providing a personal space for experimentation, refinement, and reflection; Making Skills, developing technical proficiency through the formal elements of line, shape, tone, texture, pattern, and colour; Knowledge of Artists, introducing pupils to diverse artists, craft makers, and designers from various periods and cultures; and Evaluating and Analysing, fostering critical reflection and constructive feedback. These strands are delivered through a sequential, spiral curriculum model, with units organised into four core areas—Drawing, Painting and Mixed-Media, Sculpture and 3D, and Craft and Design—allowing pupils to revisit and refine skills with increasing complexity. This approach ensures a thorough understanding of formal elements and creative processes, enabling pupils to confidently apply their knowledge and skills to varied artistic contexts. By embedding these strands throughout our curriculum, we inspire pupils to experiment, invent, and produce their own works of art, while fostering an appreciation of artistic expression across cultures and history.

 

Underpinning our curriculum are our key principles of

ENJOY, ACHIEVE, BELIEVE, TOGETHER

 

ENJOY

At Farsley Westroyd, we aim to create an inspiring and immersive environment where pupils can fully engage with the creative process in Art and Design. By exploring exciting projects, experimenting with diverse materials, and studying influential artists and designers, we encourage pupils to develop a love for artistic expression. Through hands-on activities and imaginative challenges, pupils experience the joy of creating their own works of art, sparking a lifelong passion for creativity and visual exploration.

 

ACHIEVE

At Farsley Westroyd, our carefully structured Art and Design curriculum ensures that pupils progressively develop their technical skills, artistic knowledge, and ability to evaluate and refine their work. With a focus on mastering formal elements such as line, shape, tone, texture, pattern, and colour, alongside exploring various techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, and craft, pupils are equipped to achieve their full potential. Tailored guidance and high expectations empower every child to excel creatively, building confidence and paving the way for personal and academic success.

 

BELIEVE

At Farsley Westroyd, we nurture pupils' confidence in their artistic abilities, helping them to see themselves as creative thinkers and makers. By providing opportunities to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them in a supportive environment, we encourage pupils to believe in their potential. Through engaging with their own ideas, reflecting on their progress, and drawing inspiration from a wide range of artistic traditions, pupils gain the self-assurance to express their unique vision and embrace their identity as artists.

 

TOGETHER

At Farsley Westroyd, collaboration is at the heart of our approach to Art and Design. Pupils are encouraged to share ideas, provide constructive feedback, and work together on creative projects. This collective approach fosters a sense of community where every pupil's contributions are valued. By learning from each other's perspectives and skills, pupils not only create more meaningful art but also build essential interpersonal skills, making the creative process a shared and enriching experience for all.