Intent

The National Society for Education in Art and Design believes that a world-class art,  craft and design education provides and inspires personal expression, cultural understanding, creative and practical responses, promoting imaginative risk taking to provide solutions to our material, emotional, social and virtual worlds.

At Grafton Primary School, we deliver a creative curriculum in the Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, linked to the National Curriculum and the year groups’ topics. This enables children to make connections between subjects, to deepen their understanding and to think creatively and critically. 

We use the Kapow scheme of learning to inform our Art and Design teaching. 

REAL Curriculum Links

Our REAL Art and Design curriculum is: 

R: relevant, research-based, reflective

Our Art and Design curriculum develops:

• understanding and appreciation of a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople whose work is relevant and inspiring to them
• strong foundations in core artistic skills and techniques, carefully sequenced to ensure progression across year groups
• high-quality learning experiences which reflect best practice and foster creativity and excellence.

E: Engaging, Enquiry-Led

Our Art and Design curriculum:

• provides opportunities to actively explore a range of artistic disciplines, styles and media
• encourages curiosity and experimentation with different textures, tools and materials
• engages pupils in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that promote independence, imagination and creative problem-solving.

A: Aspirational, Achievement for All

Our Art and Design curriculum develops:

• confidence to explore and extend new concepts and ideas through creative expression
• opportunities to experience the wider world of art through galleries, visiting artists and community projects
• understanding of art as a valued career and life skill, inspiring pupils to see themselves as artists
• inclusive opportunities for all pupils to progress from their individual starting points, evaluate their own work and celebrate success,



L: For a Life-long Love of Learning

Our Art and Design curriculum:

• nurtures a love of art as both a source of enjoyment and a form of personal expression
• supports creativity, well-being and mindfulness through artistic exploration
• provides enriching opportunities such as art clubs, projects and competitions to inspire lifelong engagement with art and design,