Art is a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum that nurtures creativity, curiosity and self-expression. We aim to inspire ambitious young artists who think deeply about the world around them and use art to communicate ideas, emotions, and identity. Our curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to explore a wide range of artistic techniques, media and cultural influences, developing both technical skill and creative confidence. Pupils study celebrated artists, designers and craft makers from across history and the world—the “Greats”—alongside contemporary and local artists from Leicester. Children gain depth in understanding how art can connect people, places and time. Oracy is at the heart of our approach: pupils learn to talk and think like artists, expressing and evaluating their ideas with precision and confidence. Our intent is for every child to grow as an artist—curious, reflective and ready to take creative risks. 

Our Art curriculum is carefully structured to ensure a clear progression of skills, knowledge, and techniques from Early Years to Year 6. Each unit builds on prior learning, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding over time. Lessons are informed by Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction—teachers model artistic techniques explicitly, provide guided practice and revisit key skills to secure understanding. Pupils use sketchbooks as personal creative journals to record ideas, explore techniques, and reflect on their artistic journey. These books demonstrate growth, experimentation and refinement of skills over time. 
Through thoughtfully planned units, children encounter a diverse range of artists and art forms—from the Great Masters such as Van Gogh and Picasso to influential local artists from Leicester, whose work reflects our city’s rich cultural heritage. Oracy underpins each stage of learning: pupils discuss techniques, share interpretations and use precise vocabulary to articulate their thinking. Teachers create a supportive, ambitious environment where children can develop mastery through practice, dialogue, and reflection. 

By the end of primary school, pupils are confident, reflective and expressive young artists. They demonstrate ambition in their creative choices, show depth in their understanding of art’s purpose, and take pride in their own and others’ achievements. Sketchbooks capture each child’s unique artistic growth. Pupils can talk about their learning, evaluate their work using the language of art and design. They show curiosity about artists from Leicester and beyond, understanding how art connects people across time, culture and place. The impact of our Art curriculum is seen in the quality of work produced, the joy pupils take in creating and their readiness to continue exploring art and creativity throughout their lives.