Curriculum Intent

At Nathaniel Newton Infant School, our art curriculum is designed to inspire and nurture the creativity, imagination, and self-expression of our pupils. We believe that through exploring a range of artistic mediums and techniques, children can develop their confidence, fine motor skills, and ability to communicate ideas. Our aim is to provide a rich and diverse art education that fosters an appreciation for the arts and empowers every child to see themselves as an artist.

We introduce our pupils to a variety of artists, both historical and contemporary, from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that children encounter different styles, techniques, and artistic movements, allowing them to develop a broad understanding of art. Through age-appropriate exploration of famous works, children will begin to recognise and appreciate different forms of art.

From the outset, we emphasise the importance of art vocabulary in helping children articulate their thoughts and ideas about art. We introduce and reinforce key terms related to art materials, techniques, and concepts. This vocabulary is integrated into all our lessons, ensuring that children become confident in discussing their own work and that of others. For example, words such as "line," "texture," "shape," "colour," "pattern," and "shade" will be introduced and revisited regularly.

Within each year group pupils explore three key areas, painting, drawing and sculpture. Our painting curriculum encourages children to experiment with colour, brushstrokes, and different painting mediums. We teach basic colour theory, including primary and secondary colours, and encourage children to explore mixing colours to create new ones. Through hands-on activities, children develop their ability to control brushes and use paint expressively. As they progress, they learn about different painting techniques and styles, inspired by the artists they study. Drawing is a fundamental skill that we begin developing from an early age. We provide opportunities for children to experiment with a range of drawing tools, such as pencils, crayons, charcoal, and pastels. Lessons focus on key elements such as line, shape, and shading. Children are encouraged to observe the world around them and to translate what they see onto paper, building their confidence in drawing from both imagination and observation. Sculpture provides a tactile and three-dimensional experience in our art curriculum. Children are introduced to a variety of materials such as clay, recycled materials and materials from nature, allowing them to explore texture, form, and space.

Developing the ability to discuss and critique art is an integral part of our curriculum. We foster an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their opinions and ideas about art. Through guided discussions, we teach them to describe what they see, consider how art makes them feel, and think about what an artist might be trying to convey. We encourage a culture of respectful listening and sharing, helping children to appreciate different perspectives and develop their critical thinking skills.

Our art curriculum at Nathaniel Newton is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and enriching for every child. By introducing them to a wide range of artists, techniques, and materials and giving pupils the opportunity to collaborate and explore art we aim to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts and equip our pupils with the skills they need to express themselves creatively.