Art and Design 

Intent

At Our Lady of Fatima, our Art and Design curriculum nurtures creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Rooted in our Gospel values and inspired by the beauty of God’s creation, we believe every child is a unique artist with the ability to communicate through visual language. Our aim is to develop pupils’ confidence, artistic skills, and critical appreciation of art, while fostering a sense of wonder and cultural awareness.

Through a broad and inclusive curriculum, we seek to:

• Cultivate a love of art and creativity, enabling all children to explore, experiment and express themselves;

• Develop knowledge of significant artists, designers and craft-makers from diverse backgrounds and historical periods;

• Support children in building technical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and other media;

• Encourage children to reflect, evaluate and take pride in their artistic journey.

 Implementation

We implement a high-quality Art and Design curriculum that is carefully sequenced to build knowledge, skills and confidence over time. Our approach is inclusive and accessible to all learners, ensuring that creativity is celebrated and nurtured at every stage.

Key elements of our implementation include:

• A progressive curriculum that develops key artistic techniques and introduces children to a wide range of materials and styles;

• Opportunities to study and be inspired by diverse artists, linked meaningfully to topics, cultures and Gospel values;

• Cross-curricular links that enhance learning and allow pupils to explore art in religious education, history, and literature;

• Time for children to explore, practise and reflect on their work through sketchbooks and collaborative projects;

• Enrichment opportunities such as art workshops, gallery visits, and whole-school exhibitions;

• Ongoing CPD for staff to ensure confident and effective teaching of art and design.

Impact

The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is seen in children who are confident, creative, and reflective. They value art as a way to express themselves, communicate their ideas and connect with the world around them.

We measure impact through:

• Pupil outcomes that demonstrate progression in technique, creativity and evaluation skills;

• High levels of engagement and enthusiasm for art across all year groups;

• Pupil voice showing enjoyment, pride and understanding of artistic processes and artists;

• Displays and portfolios that showcase individual talents and collective achievements;

• Confident children who use visual language to express thoughts, emotions, and faith;

• A lasting appreciation for art that contributes to pupils’ cultural, spiritual and emotional development.