We believe that the teaching of Art is integral to our pupils’ creative development providing them with learning and experiences often beyond their sphere of knowledge. It is vital in leading them to an appreciation of human creativity and achievement, which they may not otherwise encounter. We intend to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. We will focus on drawing and painting as key skills to develop as they progress through the school and these will be intentionally taught in each year group, ensuring that our children are competent in these skills by the time they leave the school.

We believe it is important that our pupils recognise the impact art can have on different cultures, both their own and others. Therefore, they will be introduced to the work of key artists, working in different media, from around the world so that they are able to identify how art links to the historical and cultural development of the UK as well as other cultures.

Key concepts:

1) Mastering practical skills

Pupils will develop their procedural knowledge within; drawing and painting in particular as well as collage, sculpture, print, textiles and digital media.

They will develop their techniques in; colour mixing, sketching, shading and hatching, moulding and carving, layering and replicating to create patterns, weaving and stitching, editing and animation.

They will understand how to create effects through using light and shadow, pattern, movement and perspective and understanding the impact of colour mixing, adding white/black, layering colours, warm and cold colours, complementary and contrasting colours.

2) Taking inspiration

Pupils will learn to take inspiration from artists across the world and through time. They will be able to describe their work, replicate techniques and create original pieces influenced by their style. They will know some key styles and periods e.g. Art Deco, Surrealism, Impressionism. They will be able to recognise that common themes can appear in art e.g. love, war, religion, politics, inequality and have a powerful influence as a result.

Vocabulary

Children will be introduced to new art related significant vocabulary which is commonly encountered in many other subjects and can be retained and transferred effectively.

Art Capital

The children will be introduced to key artists at each stage through the school from different ages, genders and cultures who work in different medias. They will visit art galleries, create their own art galleries and meet real-life artists to learn about their work.

Art Overview

• Galliard Art Overview

Progression Documents

• Year 1 Curriculum Map
• Year 2 Curriculum Map
• Year 3 Curriculum Map
• Year 4 Curriculum Map
• Year 5 Curriculum Map
• Year 6 Curriculum Map
• Galliard EY Art Curriculum Map

Skills progression from EYFS to Year 6

• Skills Progression

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Galliard's Art Exhibition 2026

Following our inspiring Art INSET day with Amber from Splatter and Natter, the creativity quickly spread throughout the whole school. Teachers shared the techniques they had learnt with their classes, and every child from Nursery through to Year 6 had the opportunity to create their own individual painting.

Throughout the school, classrooms were filled with colour, excitement and imagination as pupils explored the same artistic methods that staff had practised during the training day. It was wonderful to see children developing their confidence in art, experimenting with new techniques and expressing their creativity in such unique ways.

The work produced across the school showed great creativity and effort from all of the pupils.  Each class proudly displayed their artwork in their classrooms, giving families the opportunity to come in and view the children’s creations. It was a special moment for pupils to showcase their work and share their artistic achievements with parents and carers.

As mentioned previously, this whole-school project was carried out in memory of Frankie Sarno, a much-loved Teaching Assistant at Galliard from 2018 to 2025, whose passion for art continues to inspire our school community. 

We are extremely proud of the effort, creativity and high standards shown by our pupils. It has been wonderful to see the inspiration from the staff training day come to life through the children’s artwork, and the project has been a true celebration of art across the whole school.

 

     

      

     

 

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