Art Intent

The Art curriculum at Joseph Hood helps children be creative, express themselves and develop a wide range of skills. They explore drawing, painting, colour, sculpture, collage, pattern and printing, using different techniques and hands-on activities. In our new art studio, children learn about the seven elements of art—colour, pattern, texture, line, shape and form, tone and space—while discovering how art has changed across cultures and history. Enquiry questions encourage children to explore their ideas and develop their craft.

As they progress, pupils become confident in using a variety of materials and think critically about how art reflects and shapes our world. Overall, the curriculum provides the skills, experiences and inspiration children need to grow as imaginative young artists.

Curriculum example for Drawing

EYFS To learn the different ways to make marks using a range of different materials, e.g., crayons, chalk, pencils, etc.

Year 1 To now use and experiment with a range of mark making materials to draw line and shape.

Year 2 To understand how different materials can be used to draw and by using these learned techniques, look at how artists use tone and texture.

Year 3 To further build on the use of line and shape and introduce the method of shading when observing an object.

Year 4 To develop the understanding of tone, texture and now proportion to create realistic 3D drawings.

Year 5 To continue to develop and understand the use of tone, texture and proportion to add depth, movement and emotion to artwork.

Year 6 To look at how all parts of the art learned are put together and understand how artists express different ideas.

Art in EYFS

At Joseph Hood, children in the Foundation Stage explore Art through Expressive Arts and Design, which is closely connected to Communication and Language and Physical Development. Their imagination and awareness grow through play, using a wide variety of materials and media. As they move through the Foundation Stage, children try out different techniques that help them develop both artistic and cultural understanding. They work on small and large projects, sometimes independently and sometimes with others, using drawing, painting and sculpture to interpret and enjoy what they see. Art is also linked to other areas of learning, for example, using one-handed tools helps improve fine motor skills. By the end of the Foundation Stage, children can share their creations, use them in different ways, and show skills in areas such as colour, texture, design and form.

Implementing Art at Joseph Hood

At Joseph Hood, each child has their own sketchbook, which accompanies them throughout their school journey, capturing their growth as an artist. To enrich this experience, the school provides a variety of opportunities, including whole-school projects, clubs, and art trips such as visits to The Tate Modern. Learning is also extended beyond the classroom, taking advantage of the local environment.

Art lessons are designed to build on prior learning as children progress, with cross-curricular links that make activities meaningful. Skills and knowledge are carefully mapped across each year group, supported by key vocabulary and examples of inspiring artists. Within each topic, children are encouraged to critically analyse existing works of art, while a balance of observational and experimental activities allows them to both represent the world around them and explore new techniques and ideas. Drawing, painting, and sculpture form the core of this purposeful, progressive curriculum, enhanced by a rich range of materials and media to inspire engagement. Throughout their learning, children are encouraged to think creatively and critically, collaborate effectively, and reflect compassionately on their own and others’ work. A variety of feedback strategies support the refinement of skills, helping children develop confidence, mastery, and a lasting appreciation of art across the school community.

Inclusive

Art & Design at Joseph Hood is for everyone. Using Kapow’s clear modelling and adaptable Art & Design tasks, all pupils can take part, succeed and express themselves. A wide range of media and diverse artists ensures every child is represented and valued. We visit galleries and we participate in The National Gallery's 'Take One Picture' project. 

Nurturing

We nurture confidence and creativity through Art & Design. Sketchbooks and practical activities provide safe spaces for exploring ideas, practising skills, and developing independence. Pupils are encouraged to take risks, experiment with materials, and enjoy the creative process.

Success

Success grows over time. Kapow’s spiral Art & Design curriculum builds skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and digital art progressively across the school. Children celebrate achievements through displays, exhibitions, and shared creative projects.

Perseverance

Art & Design teaches resilience. Pupils learn to refine their work, try new techniques, and see mistakes as part of learning. Effort, practice, and improvement are praised alongside the final artwork.

Imagination

Imagination is central to Art & Design at Joseph Hood. Kapow projects inspire children to explore ideas, experiment with media, and create original pieces, often linked to topics across the curriculum.

Respect

Pupils study artists and designers from different cultures, times, and backgrounds, developing respect for varied viewpoints and artistic traditions. They understand that art communicates ideas, emotions, and cultural stories.

Encourage

We encourage every child to see themselves as an artist and designer. Celebrations, exhibitions, and whole-school creative events provide opportunities to share work confidently and take pride in their creativity.