Art

Art at Our Lady of the Rosary

At Our Lady of the Rosary, our Art curriculum nurtures creativity, imagination, and self-expression. We want every child to develop confidence as an artist, to appreciate the beauty of the world, and to understand how art can communicate ideas and emotions.

Children explore a wide range of media and techniques as they draw, paint, sculpt, and experiment with materials, developing both skill and individuality. Through studying a variety of artists and artistic styles, they learn that art can reflect personal experiences, different cultures, and the world around them.

Our Approach to Teaching Art

Art is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops skills and knowledge progressively from the Early Years to Year 6. Each strand of art - drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage - is revisited regularly so that children can refine and deepen their skills over time.

Retrieval opportunities are built into lessons to help children recall prior learning, vocabulary, and techniques, ensuring they build on what they already know. Children are encouraged to talk about their ideas, experiment freely, and make creative choices, fostering both technical skill and personal style.

Pupils learn about a diverse range of artists from different times, cultures, and backgrounds. Through this study, they explore how artists use colour, shape, texture, and perspective to express ideas and emotions.

Developing Artistic Skills

Our curriculum focuses on four key areas of development:

• Drawing: Pupils develop control, precision, and observation skills, experimenting with line, tone, and perspective.
• Painting: They explore colour theory, mixing, texture, and brushwork, learning to express mood and atmosphere.
• Sculpture: Children manipulate materials such as clay, wire, and natural objects to create both realistic and abstract forms.
• Art Appreciation: Pupils discuss and evaluate the work of artists and their peers, developing language to express preferences, opinions, and interpretations.

Through each of these strands, children learn to reflect on their work, adapt their ideas, and take creative risks.

Sketchbooks

Sketchbooks are used throughout the school as a space for exploration and reflection. They allow pupils to practise, record observations, collect inspiration, and refine ideas. Mistakes are valued as part of the creative process, encouraging perseverance and problem-solving.

By Upper Key Stage 2, pupils use their sketchbooks with increasing independence, selecting materials, testing techniques, and evaluating outcomes to inform their final pieces. This reflective approach builds ownership and confidence as young artists.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

Art is enriched through visits, workshops, and themed days that inspire creativity and connect learning to the wider world. Pupils explore art outdoors, use natural materials, and respond to cross-curricular themes such as nature, culture, and identity.

Displays across the school celebrate artistic achievement, showcasing progression and individuality. Children also enjoy sharing their work, taking pride in the creativity and effort shown in every piece.

Continuing the Journey

At Our Lady of the Rosary, pupils develop the confidence, knowledge, and skills to express themselves creatively and thoughtfully. As they move through the school, they learn to apply artistic techniques with increasing control, evaluate their work with honesty, and appreciate the role of art in different times and cultures.

This progressive approach ensures that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and continue to see art as a powerful form of expression and connection.