Art ambition statement at Sacred Heart:
Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
Art & Design Intent
At Sacred Heart, Art and Design is a vital part of a rich and balanced curriculum that nurtures creativity, self-expression and curiosity. Through the Kapow Primary Art and Design scheme, pupils are inspired to explore ideas, experiment with materials and develop confidence in their creative abilities.
Our curriculum enables children to:
- Engage, experiment and create with imagination and confidence.
- Develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and a range of media.
- Think critically and use the language of art to evaluate their own and others’ work.
- Learn about diverse artists and understand how art reflects and shapes culture and history.
Through high-quality teaching and inspiring opportunities, we help every child to express themselves, appreciate creativity in others, and understand the importance of art in our world and community.
Art & Design Implementation
At Sacred Heart, Art and Design is taught through the Kapow Primary scheme, ensuring clear progression in skills and knowledge from Early Years to Year 6. Our spiral curriculum revisits and builds on key areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media and design, allowing pupils to refine and deepen their understanding over time.
Children use sketchbooks to explore ideas, practise techniques and reflect on their progress. Lessons are hands-on, inclusive and encourage creativity, independence and personal expression.
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are confident, skilled and reflective artists who understand how art connects to culture, history and the wider world.
Our Art and Design curriculum ensures that every child leaves Sacred Heart:
- Confident and creative, able to explore ideas and express themselves through a range of artistic media.
- Skilled and knowledgeable, with mastery of drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media and craft techniques.
- Thoughtful and reflective, able to evaluate their own work and the work of others using the language of art.
- Culturally aware, with an understanding of diverse artists and how art reflects and shapes history, culture and society.
Through engaging, practical learning and inspiring experiences, pupils develop a lifelong appreciation of art and creativity, ready to continue their artistic journey beyond Sacred Heart.
Art and Design Impact
At Sacred Heart, our Art and Design curriculum—based on the Kapow Primary scheme—nurtures creativity, confidence and reflection. Children are actively involved in evaluating their work, engaging in dialogue and making decisions about how to improve. This approach helps them develop strong metacognitive skills and the ability to talk confidently about their own learning journey.
By the end of primary school, pupils will:
- Produce imaginative and meaningful creative work.
- Be proficient in a range of art, craft and design techniques.
- Evaluate and discuss artwork using appropriate vocabulary.
- Understand the work of great artists and the historical and cultural context of their art.
Through ongoing assessment and reflection, pupils leave Sacred Heart with the skills, confidence and creativity needed for the next stage of their Art and Design journey.
