Creativity, curiosity and confidence
At North Mead, Art and Design gives children opportunities to observe, investigate, experiment, create and communicate ideas. We want pupils to develop technical control and creative independence, using sketchbooks to explore, refine and justify artistic choices.
Art at North Mead
- Explore — observe, investigate artists and gather ideas.
- Experiment — try materials, techniques, colour, line, texture and form.
- Develop — make purposeful artistic choices.
- Refine — revisit and improve ideas through sketchbooks and feedback.
- Communicate — create work that expresses meaning, mood or intention.
What children learn
| Phase | What children learn |
| EYFS | Explore colour, line, texture, shape, materials, construction and representation through purposeful provision. |
| KS1 | Build foundations in drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, colour mixing, tone, line, texture and simple composition. |
| Lower KS2 | Develop sketchbook practice, landscape, depth and movement, charcoal and natural pigment, architecture, mosaic, print and pattern; make increasingly deliberate choices. |
| Upper KS2 | Use proportion, symbolism, relief and abstract sculpture, mixed media, memorial and theatre/visual design; develop and refine independent concepts. |
Artists, designers and makers
Children encounter historic and contemporary artists, designers, architects, illustrators, sculptors, photographers and makers from a range of cultures and backgrounds. References are used for analysis and inspiration rather than copying.
Inclusion and challenge
Adapted tools, visual modelling, step-by-step demonstration, sensory adjustments and additional rehearsal support access. Greater depth comes through increasingly independent decision-making, technical control, concept development and critical evaluation.
How we know children are learning
Teachers use sketchbooks, practical outcomes, observation, discussion, vocabulary and pupils’ ability to explain and refine choices. Subject leadership focuses on progression, independence and whether pupils can use prior artistic knowledge in new work.
What success looks like
Children leave North Mead able to use a wide range of materials and techniques confidently, develop and refine ideas, talk about art with appropriate vocabulary, evaluate work thoughtfully and see themselves as creative individuals.
Link to NM Art and Design Curriculum Overview & Progression
Related North Mead Pages
- Our Curriculum
- Enrichment