At Our Lady Queen of Heaven, our knowledge focus is on Artists and Art movements, as we draw on ideas through a variety of activities to develop skills and introduce children to a wide variety of materials. Themes are drawn from the Cornerstones curriculum so that learning is complemented in other subjects, as well as being progressive and broad. In Art, the widening and deepening of essential knowledge, skills, understanding and learning behaviours are nurtured. 

We design, organise and plan our curriculum to ensure that children are not merely covering content, but achieving a depth to their learning that enables them to use their skills and understanding for success, including in other areas of the curriculum.

We believe that Art encourages learners to develop their creativity, nurture their imagination and originality and that it provides children with a variety of ways to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions, thus promoting positive self-esteem. We aim to give all children the confidence to express themselves through a range of chosen media.

National Curriculum Aims

Learners have the opportunity to take part in a range of artistic activities, including some competitions. Children undertake work using drawing, painting, printing, collage, sculpture, modelling, using textiles and digital methods. Learners are encouraged to communication their thoughts and feelings through art. 

Learners talk about works of art and make comparisons between different styles, media, colour schemes and compositions. The formal elements of line, shape, space, texture, pattern and scale are also discussed.

From Year 3 onwards, children learn how to use their sketchbooks to develop ideas, try out new ways of working and to experiment. Finished pieces may be within sketchbooks but are often on other sized papers and materials.

Opportunities lie in a range of enrichment activities. Our Art Ambassadors (from Year 2) visit other settings and try to promote a passion for art in their classes. After-school clubs and visiting artists encourage children to go beyond that which the curriculum can offer.