Art and Design

Art and Design Leader: Mrs Guest (Holme School)

Art & Design

Intent

At Hinchliffe Mill Junior & Infant School, our art curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster resilience in every child. We aim to nurture individuality while encouraging students to communicate their ideas clearly and respectfully through the visual arts. Grounded in our school values—to be honest, communicate clearly, be respectful, have confidence, embrace responsibility, support one another, and show resilience—we strive to provide a well-rounded art education that enables students to explore, interpret, and connect with the world around them.

We value sharing our students’ artistic achievements by exhibiting their work in school and the wider community, celebrating creativity and fostering pride. We also invite local artists into our school to inspire and collaborate with students, creating opportunities to learn from practising professionals and strengthen connections within our community.

Our curriculum focuses on:

• Honesty: Encouraging self-reflection and authenticity in creative expression.
• Clear Communication: Helping students articulate their ideas visually and verbally, ensuring their artistic voice is understood and valued.
• Respect: Promoting appreciation for diverse artistic styles, traditions, and cultures, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Confidence: Supporting students in taking creative risks and embracing their unique artistic abilities.
• Responsibility: Teaching students to take ownership of their work and use sustainable materials where possible.
• Support for One Another: Encouraging collaborative projects that strengthen teamwork and mutual respect.
• Resilience: Developing perseverance and problem-solving skills as students tackle artistic challenges.

Implementation

Our art curriculum is thoughtfully designed to build upon students' prior knowledge, ensuring progression in technical skills, creative thinking, and cultural awareness. Lessons are structured to encourage hands-on exploration and reflective practice, enabling students to express themselves while understanding the wider context of art.

• Drawing: Students learn to observe with honesty, capturing line, tone, and texture while exploring various drawing media.
• Painting: Through the study of colour theory, brushwork, and composition, students build confidence in expressing their ideas with paint.
• Printmaking: Techniques such as block printing, monoprinting, and stencilling challenge students to communicate clearly and experiment with bold ideas.
• Craft and Textiles: Projects involving weaving, embroidery, fabric art, and other craft techniques encourage responsibility and an appreciation for traditional and modern practices.
• 3D and Sculpture: Students explore materials like clay, wire, and recycled objects, fostering resilience as they solve problems and create intricate forms.

We provide students with opportunities to exhibit their work within school and the wider community, fostering pride in their achievements and connecting them with a broader audience. Community artists are regularly invited into our school to inspire students and work alongside them on collaborative projects, enriching their learning experiences and providing real-world insights into creative careers.

Each lesson balances skill development with opportunities for self-expression and reflection, creating a foundation for critical and creative thinking. Our curriculum is enriched through gallery visits, participation in community art initiatives, and projects that highlight the relevance of art in everyday life.

Impact

The impact of our art curriculum at Hinchliffe Mill is seen in the growth of confident, respectful, and resilient young artists who:

• Show honesty and authenticity in their creative work, expressing ideas that reflect their unique perspectives.
• Develop a strong portfolio demonstrating technical skills, critical thinking, and creative exploration.
• Communicate their artistic ideas effectively, both visually and verbally, and value diverse viewpoints.
• Embrace responsibility by making environmentally conscious choices in their art-making processes.
• Support their peers, showing teamwork and collaboration in shared projects.
• Take pride in exhibiting their work, recognising the value of sharing their creative efforts with others.
• Learn from local artists, gaining inspiration and understanding the role of art within their community.
• Approach artistic challenges with resilience, using setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Our students leave Hinchliffe Mill equipped with the skills, confidence, and mindset to embrace creativity in all aspects of life, making meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider world.

Art & Design Overviews

Art & Design Progression Documents