At St Nicholas Primary School, art is about inspiring children to become creative, confident and independent artists.

Our curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to experiment, explore and create their own artwork. Children study and analyse a wide range of artists while developing skills across our three core areas:

• drawing

• painting

• sculpture

Children are encouraged to think critically and develop a strong understanding of art and design. Throughout the school, pupils practise and refine their skills using sketchbooks, which are used to explore ideas, record experiences and reflect on progress.

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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

At St Nicholas, children are artists from the very start.

In EYFS, the learning environment encourages creativity and exploration. Children:

• experiment with a wide range of materials and media

• learn to use tools safely, carefully and with increasing control

• talk about their artwork and share discoveries

Art is embedded through play, helping children to build confidence, curiosity and creativity.

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Key Stage 1

In Years 1 and 2, children build on early skills and begin to think more critically about their work.

Using sketchbooks, children:

• explore drawing, painting and sculpture

• study the work of a range of artists

• develop techniques using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space

At the start of each unit, pupils study a significant artist and apply similar techniques in their own work. At the end of each unit, they reflect on their learning and describe similarities and differences between their work and that of the artist studied.

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Key Stage 2

In Years 3–6, children continue to develop and refine their artistic skills through regular sketchbook use.

Sketchbooks are used to:

• revisit and improve ideas

• practise techniques

• build mastery and confidence

Children deepen their understanding of drawing, painting and sculpture while developing greater control over materials and tools. They also gain an increased awareness of art history, exploring how artists from different periods and cultures have influenced their own work.

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How Can I Support My Child with Art & Design?

Keep it simple

You don’t need expensive materials. Pencils, biros, felt tips and scrap paper are all perfect tools for creativity.

Give space

Children need both a physical space and mental space to create. Once they understand the task, step back and allow them freedom to explore.

Encourage exploration

Let children follow their interests and go off on tangents — creativity often thrives when there are no fixed outcomes.

Talk about art

Ask your child to explain their work rather than judging it. Share the process together and celebrate effort and imagination.

Creativity is fragile. Positive encouragement helps children build confidence that lasts a lifetime.

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Useful Websites

BBC Bitesize
Easy DIY crafts and creative activities for all ages.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Access Art
Creative ideas, lesson inspiration and practical resources to support art at home.
https://www.accessart.org.uk/

Tate Kids
Games, quizzes, videos and creative challenges inspired by art and artists.
https://www.tate.org.uk/kids

National Portrait Gallery
Virtual tours exploring different art periods, portraits and themes.
https://www.npg.org.uk/

Place2Be
Creative projects linking art with wellbeing, supporting emotional development.
https://www.place2be.org.uk/

Artful Parent
Over 500 creative arts and crafts activities for children of all ages.
https://artfulparent.com/