Art and DT

“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.”

Sydney Gurewitz Clemens

What Art at Swallowfield looks like…

At Swallowfield, we believe that every child is an artist. Our art curriculum is built around the values of creativity, confidence and well-being, giving pupils the chance to express themselves, practise key skills, and feel proud of their progress.

We follow a skills-based approach, with all year groups exploring drawing, painting/textiles and sculpture across the year. Children build confidence step-by-step, supported by sketchbooks that travel up with them through the school—capturing their artistic journey over time.

Each unit begins with an artist study, helping pupils to understand and respond to the work of a diverse range of artists, illustrators and sculptors from around the world. These links enrich our pupils’ cultural capital and broaden their understanding of art as a global language.

We also celebrate art through:

• Whole-school projects (e.g. collage, still life, self-portraits)

• Art Week, draw-along events and visiting artists

• Home competitions and creative challenges via Google Classroom

Art at Swallowfield is never about asking “Is mine good?”—it’s about asking, “Is this my best?” and “What could I try next?” Through creativity, children grow in focus, self-esteem and joy.

OUR APPROACH

At Swallowfield, our Art curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils:

• Create imaginative and expressive work by exploring their ideas and recording personal experiences, often collaborating with others to develop and refine their designs.

• Develop confidence and skill in a range of artistic techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and other forms of art, craft, and design.

• Become reflective and thoughtful learners by evaluating and discussing creative work using the vocabulary of art, craft, and design.

• Gain knowledge of significant artists, craft makers, and designers, while developing an understanding of the historical and cultural influences behind their work.

Design Technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
• Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others being both a kind and critical friend in supporting others to improve.
• Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Art Skills Progression Document

Art: Intent, Implementation and Impact

DT-Curriculum-Overview 2024 2025 kk (3)

Swallowfield_DT_Intent_Implementation_Impact