'Art Makes Children Powerful' 

Bob and Roberta Smith

Intent

At Co-op Academy Medlock, Art and Design is an integral part of our broad and balanced curriculum. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to express themselves creatively and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Our Art and Design curriculum nurtures imagination, critical thinking, and technical skill. Pupils explore a range of artistic media and processes while learning about the work of artists, craftspeople, and designers from different cultures and historical periods. This helps pupils understand how humans interpret and communicate ideas, respond to key events, and influence the world through creative expression.

We celebrate the diversity of our school community by including artists and designers from varied backgrounds, enabling pupils to see themselves represented and to appreciate perspectives from across the world. Art provides opportunities for children to engage with visual culture, interpret meaning, and reflect on their own responses, fostering thoughtful and informed creators.

The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and the National Curriculum, ensuring progression in both practical and theoretical aspects of art. It equips pupils with the skills and confidence to master artistic techniques and to apply their knowledge across other areas of learning.

 

Implementation

Art and Design is taught by class teachers, supported by a specialist art teacher and the subject lead. Lessons are structured to ensure high-quality delivery and progression in both knowledge and skill.

In the Early Years, pupils follow a holistic approach to creative learning, with guided, adult-led, and child-initiated activities. They explore materials and techniques, develop fine and gross motor skills, and respond creatively to a range of stimuli. Environments are carefully designed with provocations to encourage exploration, while adults support and extend learning. Pupils also learn Art and Design-specific vocabulary through focused activities, preparing them for Key Stage 1.

From Years 1–6, the curriculum builds on this foundation through medium-term plans designed by the subject leader. Units revisit and extend key concepts, ensuring progression in both practical techniques and theoretical understanding. Pupils develop skills in drawing, painting, 3D sculpture, mixed media, and printmaking, while exploring the formal elements of art: colour, line, shape, tone, texture, and pattern.

Each unit introduces pupils to a diverse range of artists and designers, including Joyce Kozlof, Kehinde Wiley, William Morris, and John Piper. Pupils compare and evaluate their work alongside these examples, reflecting on how artists respond to themes, use different media, and communicate ideas. Selected artworks are also linked to other curriculum areas, including history, geography, RE, reading, and writing, providing purposeful contexts for creativity.

Evaluation and critical thinking are central to learning in art. Pupils regularly review their own work, that of their peers, and that of professional artists through discussion, sketchbook annotations, and reflection. Sketchbooks are a key part of the curriculum, allowing pupils to record responses, track progress, and revisit prior learning throughout their time at the school.

Reading and vocabulary development are embedded in lessons, with pupils engaging with biographies, non-fiction texts, poems, and other literary sources to inspire their work.

Our central Manchester location provides rich opportunities for first-hand experiences. Pupils regularly visit local galleries such as the Whitworth and Manchester Art Gallery, enhancing their understanding of artistic practice and cultural context.

 

Impact

Assessment in Art and Design is ongoing and informed by progression documents, pupil work, and moderation activities. Teachers use evidence from sketchbooks, final pieces, and class discussions to inform summative judgements at the end of each year.

The curriculum is intentionally linked to other subjects, providing meaningful contexts for creative expression while reinforcing skills that transfer across the curriculum, including history, geography, science, and maths.

Pupils at Co-op Academy Medlock engage enthusiastically with Art and Design. They make strong progress, demonstrate technical skill and creativity, and produce work of high quality. Pupils’ achievements are celebrated through the school website and dedicated gallery spaces, fostering pride in their learning and inspiring continued exploration of the visual arts.