Purpose of Study 

Art, Craft and Design

At Ilchester Community Primary School, we believe art is a vital part of every child’s education. As the National Curriculum states, “art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity.” Nurturing creativity is essential—not only for its impact on other areas of learning but for its intrinsic value. We are committed to providing every child with opportunities to be inspired by art and design and to achieve success through it.

Studying art and design gives children access to cultural richness and diversity, fostering appreciation that enriches all our lives.

Intent

Our intent is to develop children who think like artists. We provide a curriculum that is rigorous, innovative, and inspiring, enabling every child to reach their full creative potential. Through art, children learn how creativity reflects and shapes history, culture, and society.

We follow a two-year rolling programme to ensure breadth and depth of study. Each year, children complete three art units:

• Autumn: Painting
• Spring: Sculpture
• Summer: An ‘other’ art form (e.g., printmaking, collage, textiles, digital art, photography, ceramics, installation art, batik).

Drawing skills are fundamental and incorporated into every unit. Skills progress from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring continuity and challenge.

Within each two-year cycle, our children also study one local artist in each phase, developing an appreciation of art within their own community alongside global influences.

We aim to explore a rich and diverse range of artists, designers, and craftspeople from different cultures and backgrounds, including internationally renowned figures, contemporary practitioners, and those from under-represented groups.