{SECTION_MENU}
Art
Intent
At Manor Leas Junior Academy, the Art curriculum inspires children to express themselves creatively and confidently. Through engaging and purposeful experiences, pupils develop their understanding of artistic techniques, styles and influences while fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity in art. We aim to nurture creativity, curiosity and critical thinking by providing opportunities for children to experiment with a wide range of media and materials.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils develop both the technical skills and artistic knowledge needed to become reflective and independent artists. Pupils gain an understanding of significant artists, art movements and the ways in which art reflects and shapes society across different cultures and historical periods. Alongside this, children develop and apply subject-specific vocabulary to discuss artistic techniques, materials, styles and processes with increasing confidence and accuracy.
Implementation
The Art curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils build progressively on their prior learning throughout Key Stage 2. Each year, children revisit and develop key artistic skills through disciplines such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, textiles and digital media. Lessons are designed to develop technical proficiency while encouraging creativity, experimentation and personal expression.
Pupils are introduced to a diverse range of local, national and global artists and artistic traditions to deepen their cultural understanding and broaden their awareness of art across time and place. Through the use of sketchbooks, children explore ideas, practise techniques, refine their work and reflect on their creative journey. Sketchbooks are used as a working record of experimentation, development and evaluation.
Teachers use formative assessment throughout lessons to support and guide progress. Pupils are encouraged to discuss, evaluate and respond thoughtfully to both their own work and the work of others in order to strengthen their critical thinking and artistic understanding. Assessment is informed through discussion, sketchbook work, observational assessment and final outcomes.
Lessons are adapted to ensure all pupils can access and succeed within the curriculum. Appropriate support and challenge enable every child to develop confidence, independence and resilience as young artists. Digital media and technology are also incorporated where appropriate to support creativity and introduce pupils to contemporary artistic practices.
Impact
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed confidence and competence in using a range of artistic techniques, media and materials. They will understand the significance of art across different cultures and historical periods and recognise its importance as a form of personal and collective expression.
Pupils will produce work that demonstrates creativity, progression and technical development while showing an ability to reflect upon and evaluate artistic outcomes using appropriate vocabulary. They will leave Manor Leas as curious, reflective and expressive learners who are able to communicate ideas creatively and engage thoughtfully with the visual world around them.
The curriculum aims to instil a lifelong appreciation of the arts and provide pupils with the skills, knowledge and confidence to continue their artistic journey beyond primary education.
Art Weeks
Each academic year, Manor Leas dedicates three weeks to the in-depth exploration of art. These Art Weeks provide opportunities for pupils to enrich, apply and consolidate their learning while exploring artistic concepts in greater depth.
One Art Week focuses on expression and the communication of social justice themes, encouraging pupils to use art as a powerful tool for voice and advocacy. The second explores sculpture as an art form and its ability to communicate meaning through three-dimensional work. The third focuses on illustration, allowing children to explore narrative, imagery and visual storytelling.
Throughout these extended projects, pupils follow a creative process of exploration, development, refinement and evaluation, culminating in a final piece that reflects both their artistic journey and their individual creativity.
Art Week Overviews
Black History Art Week 1 Overview
Sculpture Art Week 2 OverviewIllustrations Art Week 3 Overview
Art Progression Map
Art Substantive and Disciplinary Knowledge
Art Substantive and Disciplinary Knowledge
Social Media