Art & Design

At Clifton, we want our children to be creative, curious and confident. Art and Design gives children opportunities to explore ideas, experiment with different materials and techniques, express themselves and develop an appreciation of the work of artists, craftspeople and designers.

From Nursery to Year 6, children develop their creativity and artistic skills through drawing, painting, sculpture, craft and design. We encourage children to take creative risks, make choices, reflect on their work and develop their own ideas.

Our Art and Design Curriculum

From Reception to Year 6, we use the Kapow Primary Art and Design curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced programme of learning aligned with the National Curriculum. The curriculum is designed to develop children's creativity, visual literacy and confidence in expressing ideas through art and design.

Our curriculum develops five key areas:

Generating ideas – exploring ideas, experimenting and developing creative responses.
Using sketchbooks – recording ideas, observations, experiments and developing work over time.
Making skills – developing skills and control in drawing, painting, sculpture, craft and other techniques.
Knowledge of artists – exploring the work of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and time periods.
Evaluating and analysing – talking about, reflecting on and responding to artwork using appropriate artistic vocabulary.

Children revisit important skills and knowledge throughout their time at Clifton, with increasing depth and complexity as they progress through the school.

Thinking Like Artists

Art is not simply about producing a finished picture or object. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, make choices, solve problems and reflect on their creative decisions.

Children learn to observe carefully, use a range of materials and techniques, develop and refine their ideas and talk about their own work and the work of others. They are encouraged to explain their choices and consider how artists communicate ideas and meaning through their work.

Through studying a diverse range of artists and artistic traditions, children develop an understanding that art can be created and interpreted in many different ways.

Art and Design in Early Years

In Nursery and Reception, children have regular opportunities to explore art and creativity through Expressive Arts and Design.

Children experiment with a wide range of materials, tools, colours, textures and techniques. They draw, paint, model, construct and create, developing their ability to express ideas and experiences through their own creative work.

We value open-ended exploration and self-expression, allowing children to make their own choices rather than expecting everyone to produce the same outcome. Adults support children's creativity through thoughtful questioning, modelling techniques and providing a rich range of accessible materials.

Supporting Every Child

We want every child to see themselves as a creative and capable artist. Our Art and Design curriculum provides opportunities for children to explore different materials, techniques, artists and cultural traditions, helping them to develop their own ideas and creative voice.

Teachers use questioning, discussion, observation and practical activities to support children's learning. Children are given appropriate support and challenge so that they can develop their skills from their individual starting points.

Our aim is that, by the time children leave Clifton, they have developed confidence in expressing themselves creatively, a secure range of artistic skills and knowledge, an understanding of artists and cultures, and the curiosity to continue exploring and creating beyond primary school.