Art & Design

Our Vision

At Oakwood Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum aims to equip children with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design inspired by periods of time and artists and craftspeople, both current and throughout history. Through this creative journey, we nurture self-belief, encouraging children to trust their ideas, take creative risks and develop confidence in their artistic voice. 

We are committed to providing all children with learning opportunities to engage in Art and Design and believe that every child within our school should have full access to the Art provision as laid down in the National Curriculum, regardless of age, gender or ability. We foster a culture of respect for diverse perspectives, cultures, artistic traditions and for one another’s creative efforts, ensuring an inclusive environment where all contributions are valued. 

The intent of our Art and Design education is to give pupils the skills, concepts and knowledge necessary for them to express their responses to ideas and experiences in visual or tactile forms using a wide variety of media. It should fire their imagination and be a fundamental means of personal expression. We encourage honesty in reflection, enabling pupils to evaluate and analyse creative works, their own and others’, using the language of art and design with thoughtfulness and integrity. 

While it is essentially a practical subject, Art and Design provides opportunities for collaboration and shared creativity, developing teamwork as pupils discuss ideas, share techniques and learn from one another. With increasing sensitivity and determination, pupils refine their work, embrace challenge and understand that artistic growth often comes through perseverance and thoughtful revision. 

There is great pleasure to be derived from Art and Design learning and, through deeper understanding, pupils gain access to cultural richness and diversity. We aim to ignite passion for creativity that extends beyond the classroom. 

It is the ambition of the Art and Design leaders and practitioners that children develop an awareness of the aspirations and careers available within this subject. Pupils will understand the purpose and value of Art and Design and recognise how the skills they develop, creativity, resilience, collaboration and critical thinking, can be applied across a wide range of future pathways.