Art

Intent

At Harpole Primary School, our aim is for all children to develop a lifelong love of art. In line with our school value of creativity, we are committed to nurturing confident, expressive and imaginative children who see themselves as artists.

We believe that art is a powerful way for children to communicate ideas, explore emotions and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through high-quality art education, we aim for pupils to:

  • Explore and experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques and processes.
  • Develop creativity, curiosity and resilience.
  • Learn about artists from different cultures, time periods and backgrounds, fostering respect and appreciation for others.
  • Build confidence in expressing their own ideas while valuing the work of others.
  • Develop a strong sense of belonging within a creative and supportive community.

 

Implementation

Art is a valued and well-resourced subject at Harpole Primary School. Through generous funding from a local charity, we employ a specialist art teacher who delivers a one-hour weekly art lesson to every class. This ensures:

  • High-quality teaching and subject expertise.
  • Clear progression of skills and knowledge across the school.
  • A consistent and inclusive approach to art education for all pupils.

We use the AccessArt scheme as the basis for our art curriculum. This scheme has been developed by professional artists and educators and was chosen because it:

  • Places creativity and the artistic process at the heart of learning.
  • Encourages experimentation, exploration and individual responses rather than a single ‘finished product’.
  • Introduces children to a diverse range of contemporary and historical artists, craftspeople and designers.
  • Values collaboration, discussion and reflection, helping children to respect and celebrate different artistic viewpoints.

Through AccessArt, children explore the work of artists from a variety of cultures and disciplines, allowing them to see themselves reflected in art while also learning about the experiences and perspectives of others. This helps to develop a strong sense of belonging and mutual respect within the classroom and the wider school community.

Art lessons are accessible to all children, and a positive creative climate has been established where:

  • Every child feels safe to take creative risks.
  • Individual ideas and outcomes are valued.
  • All successes, effort and progress are celebrated.

Each child has a personal sketchbook which follows them throughout their time at Harpole Primary School. These sketchbooks:

  • Capture the children’s artistic journey over time.
  • Showcase experimentation, skill development and creative thinking.
  • Are used as a space for reflection, exploration and personal expression.

Children’s artwork is displayed proudly throughout the school, reinforcing the importance of art and celebrating creativity.

At the end of each academic year, the school hosts an arts showcase, including a gallery of the children’s work, giving pupils the opportunity to present their achievements to families and the wider community.

Impact

The impact of our art curriculum is evident across the school:

  • Children are enthusiastic, engaged and confident artists who enjoy expressing themselves creatively.
  • Pupils develop strong artistic skills and a growing understanding of different techniques, materials and styles.
  • Children demonstrate respect for their own work and the work of others, valuing diversity and individual expression.
  • Sketchbooks show clear progression in skills, ideas and creative thinking.
  • Pupils leave Harpole Primary School with a positive attitude towards art and the confidence to continue exploring creativity beyond primary school.

Art at Harpole Primary School enriches the curriculum, strengthens our creative culture and ensures every child feels valued, inspired and successful as an artist.