Art
At St Matthew’s, Art and Design provides children with opportunities to express themselves creatively, explore a wide range of materials, and develop their artistic skills and techniques. Our curriculum encourages imagination, experimentation, and critical thinking, helping pupils to become confident and independent creators.
How We Teach Art and Design
Children have the chance to work with a variety of media and materials, including:
Paint, pastels, and charcoal
Textiles and fabric
Clay and sculpture materials
Mixed media and natural materials for creative exploration
Our pupils are encouraged to:
Express themselves creatively in both 2D and 3D forms, indoors and outdoors
Explore and develop techniques, experimenting with different tools and materials
Study the work of other artists, considering how a piece was made and the emotions or ideas it conveys
Discuss and evaluate their own work and that of their peers
Take pride in their creations, with artwork valued and displayed prominently throughout the academy
Statutory Requirements
Art and Design is statutory in Key Stages 1 and 2, and pupils are expected to:
Develop Artistic Skills – Use a range of techniques to draw, paint, print, sculpt, and design
Be Creative and Imaginative – Explore ideas, materials, and processes to create original work
Study Artists and Designers – Learn about significant artists, craft makers, and designers, and discuss their work
Evaluate and Reflect – Critique their own work and the work of others, suggesting improvements and identifying successes
This ensures children build a strong foundation in artistic skills, creativity, and visual literacy throughout their primary education.
Our Goals for Pupils
By participating in Art and Design at St Matthew’s, children will:
Develop confidence, independence, and self-expression through creative activities
Gain technical skills across a variety of media and materials
Learn to reflect critically on their own work and the work of others
Appreciate the impact of art and design on culture and society
Enjoy creating and sharing their artwork, contributing to a vibrant and inspiring school environment