Art & Design

Intent

At Pear Tree, we believe that through art, craft and design, we can engage, inspire and challenge every child to develop their creativity and reach their full artistic potential. Our Art and Design curriculum is ambitious, adaptive and aspirational, introducing children to a wide range of materials, techniques, processes and artists, craftspeople and designers. From Reception onwards, children are encouraged to explore, experiment and express their ideas through purposeful creative experiences, developing their confidence, fine-motor skills and understanding of colour, texture, pattern, shape and form.

Throughout Key Stage 1, pupils build on these foundations by developing and practising a growing range of drawing, painting, craft, collage and 3D techniques, while beginning to make purposeful artistic choices and develop their own ideas. Across Key Stage 2, pupils progressively refine their technical skills, broaden their understanding of different media and processes, and develop greater independence in planning, creating, evaluating and improving their work. Children are encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, invent and create, using the work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers as inspiration while developing their own artistic voice. Through exploring art from different cultures, times and perspectives, pupils develop an appreciation of the diverse world around them and recognise the role that creativity and art play in shaping society and culture.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed a secure and increasingly sophisticated range of artistic skills, alongside the confidence, creativity and resilience to express themselves, appreciate the work of others and pursue their own creative ideas. Our curriculum aims not only to develop skilled and confident young artists, but to nurture well-rounded individuals who understand that art can inspire, communicate, challenge and transform, while opening their eyes to potential future pathways within the creative industries, including design, illustration, architecture, crafts, graphic design and curation.