Curriculum Overview
Art and Design Curriculum Overview
At Littlebourne, our Art and Design curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children develop creativity, technical skill and confidence from Year 1 through to Year 6. Across the school, pupils follow a clear artistic process of taking in ideas, testing out materials and techniques, and reflecting on their work to refine and improve outcomes. Learning is closely linked to wider curriculum themes, enabling children to make meaningful connections and apply their skills purposefully.
Year 1
In Year 1, children are introduced to a wide range of materials and techniques through structured exploration and hands-on experiences. Pupils develop early skills in sculpture, painting, drawing, collage, printing and pastels, often linked to history, geography and local studies. Projects include creating and painting Tudor houses inspired by the Great Fire of London, drawing self-portraits using mirrors and photographs, designing a village sign for Littlebourne through drawing and collage, and exploring Kenyan landscapes using paint and natural printing tools. Children also experiment with pastels and mixed media to create space-themed artwork, developing confidence in mark making, colour and composition.
Years 2 and 3 – Cycle A
In Cycle A, pupils build observational skills and develop greater control over materials. Children create detailed pencil and charcoal drawings based on close observation, such as fruit studies, and explore illustration through the work of Quentin Blake, designing their own characters to inspire creative writing. Sculpture and mixed media are developed through book character projects, while printing, collage and pastel work introduce children to artists such as Mary Anning, Henri Rousseau and L.S. Lowry. These projects support growing independence and encourage children to reflect on meaning, style and technique.
Years 2 and 3 – Cycle B
Cycle B focuses on developing technical skill and understanding through historical and artistic studies. Children explore Stone Age art using pencil and charcoal, investigate still life painting inspired by Felicity House, and design sculptural buildings linked to European architecture. Pupils experiment with environmental printing, collage inspired by Paul Klee, and expressive pastel work influenced by Vincent van Gogh. Through these projects, children refine their use of colour, tone, texture and form.
Years 4 and 5 – Cycle A
In Cycle A, pupils deepen their artistic thinking and independence. Drawing skills are extended through detailed observational work based on the local area, exploring perspective and composition. Children study painters such as David Hockney, experiment with abstract and geometric sculpture inspired by Hepworth, and explore pattern through a range of printing techniques. Collage projects focus on activism and message-making, while pastel work influenced by Picasso and Chris Fahy encourages emotional expression and personal interpretation.
Years 4 and 5 – Cycle B
Cycle B offers rich opportunities to develop historical and cultural understanding through art. Pupils study Tudor imagery through drawing and pattern, explore portraiture and architecture, and create atmospheric landscapes inspired by Turner. Sculpture projects focus on Benin clay masks, while collage and print work draw inspiration from Mondrian and natural materials. Pastel projects based on water and reflection encourage children to explore tone, movement and mood.
Year 6
In Year 6, children work with increasing independence and sophistication. Pupils create large-scale sculptural work inspired by Frances Hatch, develop expressive pastel drawings influenced by Jim Dine, and explore meaning and message through lino printing inspired by Renee Fly. Drawing techniques are extended through chiaroscuro studies linked to Viking history, while collage and painting projects explore cityscapes, impressionism and the work of artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Monet. Children are encouraged to plan, refine and evaluate their work, demonstrating confidence, originality and technical skill.
End of Key Stage Outcomes
By the time children leave Littlebourne, they are confident, reflective and independent artists. They can work with a wide range of materials and techniques, talk knowledgeably about artists and artistic styles, and express ideas creatively with purpose and pride. Our pupils leave well-prepared for secondary school Art and Design, equipped with the skills, curiosity and confidence to thrive in future creative learning.