Art & Design at Checkendon Primary School

Intent: why we teach art and design

Our vision to unlock the unique voice within each child, fostering a lifelong aspiration of learning excellence, lies at the heart of the Checkendon Church of England (A) Primary School art and design curriculum. Through progressive exploration of skills, techniques, and media, and engagement with visiting artist, we aim to develop pupils’ creativity, observation, and self-expression within a caring community.

Rooted in our values of respect, integrity, compassion, courage, and hope, we aim for every pupil to develop skills, knowledge, and appreciation of art while expressing themselves thoughtfully and imaginatively.

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to:

• Develop technical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, printing, and digital media.
• Encourage creativity, experimentation, and independent thought.
• Foster understanding of art history, culture, and the work of artists, including contemporary practitioners.
• Ensure all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve success in line with their peers.
• Reflect our Christian values:
  • Respect for diverse artistic traditions and creative expression
  • Integrity in developing and presenting ideas thoughtfully
  • Compassion through collaboration and appreciation of others’ work
  • Courage to take creative risks and explore new techniques
  • Hope inspired by imagination, innovation, and artistic achievement

Implementation: how we teach art and design

• Units are planned progressively from Reception to Year 6, building skills and knowledge in line with the National Curriculum.
• Each term, a class works with a professional artist who brings expertise, inspiration, and real-world practice into the classroom.
• Lessons involve hands-on exploration, experimentation, and reflection, encouraging pupils to adapt techniques and solve creative challenges.
• Teaching supports all learners through adapted tasks, scaffolded guidance, and opportunities for challenge, including cross-curricular links.
• Pupils are introduced to artistic vocabulary, evaluate their own work and that of others, and develop confidence in expressing their ideas visually and verbally.
• Outdoor learning, sketchbooks, and displays are used to celebrate creativity and document progression.
• Assessment is carried out through Sonar Small Steps, tracking pupils’ skills and knowledge termly to ensure progress and identify next steps.

Impact: outcomes and evidence

Academic impact

• Pupils develop technical skill, creativity, and confidence in a range of media.
• Knowledge of artists, techniques, and cultural context grows progressively through the years.

Personal development and character

• Pupils develop resilience, curiosity, and self-expression.
• Collaboration and reflection nurture compassion, integrity, and courage in artistic exploration.

Cultural and social impact

• Art fosters cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity, both historical and contemporary.
• Pupils engage with the wider community through exhibitions, workshops, and the artist-in-residence programme.
• By the time they leave Checkendon, pupils are confident, creative, and reflective artists, equipped with skills, imagination, and the character to flourish.

Evaluation and continuous improvement

• Progress and attainment are monitored termly using Sonar Small Steps, along with work scrutiny and pupil feedback, to inform planning and next steps.
• Governors and subject leaders monitor impact, ensuring alignment with the school’s Christian vision and Ofsted priorities: curriculum quality, personal development, inclusion, and engagement.