All things are possible for one who believes – Mark 9:23

During their time at school, each child will have the opportunity to experiment and seek inspiration through a variety of different mediums and artistic styles. Learning new knowledge and skills, allowing them to invent and create their own works of art.  

We strongly believe in encouraging children to express their individualities through their art, stimulating creativity, imagination and inventiveness. Our themed weeks, whole school activities and opportunities within and outside school all enrich and develop children’s artistic learning whilst enhancing their positive Growth Mindset and sense of achievement.   

“Art and design is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise: with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality."

Quentin Blake, Illustrator and Children's Laureate

Curriculum Intent

Pupils will be exposed to a broad range of different kinds of arts, craft and design. They will be able to think critically about art and design, including their own. Through gaining knowledge of famous artists, they will develop an understanding of how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture and creativity. As they progress through each year group, they will develop their techniques and have the opportunity to apply these creatively with no ceiling on what they can achieve. Fundamental skills such as sketching, observing, use of materials, shape and colour and imagination are built upon with each new unit so that pupils feel confident to apply these independently at secondary school and beyond in turn building their identity as an artist.   

Curriculum Implementation  

Our art curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced range of experiences, allowing pupils to explore various art forms, techniques, and materials. Through carefully planned schemes of work, we ensure coverage of different artistic disciplines, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and photography. Our curriculum is designed to be progressively scaffolded, building on prior knowledge and skills, and allowing for creativity to flourish. Pupils are guided by teachers but have freedom to be creative with the techniques used building to year 6, where they can select and experiment with materials. Throughout their time at Waverley Abbey, pupils have opportunities to discuss and critique each other’s work to develop it further.  A self-evaluation structure for final pieces encourages pupils to reflect on the skills they have learnt and how they can apply these in future. 

Curriculum Impact  

Pupils’ sketch books demonstrate skills and control of technique with media such as pencil, pastel and paint. They develop an understanding of the elements of art, such as line, colour, shape, form, and texture, and learn to apply them purposefully in their own work. Pupils acquire artistic knowledge and skills, enabling them to produce artwork of increasing complexity and originality as they progress through our school.

If you would like to find out more about the curriculum please make an appointment to see your child's teacher who will be happy to discuss this with you, you can do this by contacting school through the office via - info@waverley-abbey.surrey.sch.uk