Overview of the Art National Curriculum

In the primary years, art education in England plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and self-expression among students. From Year 1 to Year 6, the national curriculum aims to develop a solid foundation in various artistic disciplines.

In Year 1, children begin exploring basic drawing and painting techniques, using different materials like crayons, paints, and collages. They learn to represent their ideas and feelings through their artwork. By Year 2, they advance to more structured activities, studying famous artists and experimenting with shape, colour, and texture.

Year 3 sees a shift towards more complex projects. Students explore three-dimensional work, such as clay modelling, and begin to grasp the concept of how art can communicate messages. In Year 4, they delve deeper into art history, learning about movements such as Impressionism and modern art, while expanding their skills in observational drawing and painting.

As they progress to Year 5, pupils are encouraged to create their own pieces inspired by the styles and techniques of artists they study. This is complemented by an exploration of mixed media, where they can combine various tools and materials to produce unique artworks. Finally, by Year 6, the curriculum focuses on refining techniques and developing personal styles, with students exploring contemporary issues through their art.

Throughout these years, students gain confidence in their abilities, learn to appreciate diverse artistic expressions, and develop critical thinking skills, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of art and its significance.

For further details, see

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ba810ed915d4147621ca0/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Art_and_design.pdf