Art and DT
Our Art and DT Curriculum
Intent
Our Art and Design Technology curriculum develops pupils' creativity, technical skills and critical thinking. Pupils will learn to express themselves through drawing, painting, sculpture, printing and design, whilst exploring how artists and designers communicate meaning and values. Through studying God's creation and the work of diverse artists, pupils will develop an appreciation of beauty and understand how their gifts can serve others. Gospel values of love, compassion, stewardship and community are woven throughout, ensuring pupils recognise that creativity is a gift from God to be developed and shared. By the end of primary school, pupils will be confident, skilled creators who can articulate how their work reflects both artistic excellence and gospel values, designing and making with purpose and consideration for others' needs.
Implementation
Our Art and DT curriculum is delivered through carefully sequenced units that build skills progressively whilst explicitly connecting learning to Gospel values. Each of our units involves systematic teaching of technical skills, artist/designer studies, and opportunities for pupils to create meaningful work. Teachers use sketchbooks to develop ideas and demonstrate progression, whilst facilitating discussions that help pupils articulate how their work embodies values such as stewardship when using materials responsibly, or love when designing for others. Cross-curricular links strengthen learning, particularly with RE when studying religious art and with PSHE through themes of service and community. Staff receive ongoing CPD to build confidence in both technical delivery and values integration, supported by curriculum maps that show progression of skills and values through year groups. Assessment should capture both technical proficiency and pupils' understanding of how their creative work reflects Gospel values.
Impact
Pupils produce high-quality artwork and DT products that demonstrate strong technical progression and thoughtful application of Gospel values. Sketchbooks show clear development of ideas and skills over time, whilst pupil voice reveals confident discussion of techniques, artists and how their work reflects gospel values. Pupils show respect for materials, consider others' needs when designing, collaborate effectively and appreciate beauty in God's creation. Their personal development is evident through increased confidence, resilience when facing creative challenges, and pride in work that serves others. Learning walks, book looks and pupil conferences consistently demonstrate that children can articulate both what they've learned technically and how their creative work connects to our school mission. Displays and exhibitions celebrate achievements whilst showcasing how Art and DT contribute to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with work shared beyond school to serve the parish and wider community.