Art and Design

Intent: Be Inspired, Experiment, Create

At Helmsley, we aim to inspire creativity and self-expression in every child. Through a wide range of artistic experiences, children explore their imagination, build confidence, and learn to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas in visual form.

Children experiment with different materials and techniques—such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, collage and textiles—developing their skills in colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.

As they grow, they are encouraged to refine their techniques and develop personal style through practice and exploration.

 

 

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Our curriculum also helps children understand how art has shaped our culture and history. They learn about a diverse range of artists, craftspeople, and designers, both past and present, including local creatives, and explore how their work connects to broader topics and themes.

By the end of their primary journey, we aim for children to:

1- Create with imagination, confidence and control                                          2- Communicate visually and reflect on their own and others’ work

3- Understand and use a range of materials and artistic techniques            4- Develop an appreciation for art in the world around them 

5- Maintain a lasting love for Art and Design

Implementation

  • In EYFS, children learn through hands-on play using a variety of materials, tools and textures both indoors and outdoors. They develop fine motor skills and experiment with colour, design and form in a creative, child-led environment.

  • From Year 1 to Year 6, we follow a progressive Art curriculum based on the Suffolk Art Scheme. Children are taught key artistic skills discretely through weekly lessons, focusing on drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, collage and textiles.

  • Each child has a personal sketchbook to explore, plan and reflect on their work. Lessons build over time towards a final piece, giving children the chance to experiment and refine their ideas.

  • Art is also used across the curriculum to enhance topic work and celebrate local and national events.

  • Children study a variety of national and international artists, as well as local creatives, to broaden their cultural understanding and artistic appreciation.