Art Curriculum at North Lakes School

At North Lakes School, a vibrant Junior School, we believe that Art and Design play a vital role in nurturing creativity, confidence, and personal success in every pupil. Our art curriculum is thoughtfully designed to engage, inspire, and challenge children, providing them with rich opportunities to explore their ideas and express themselves through a wide range of artistic experiences.

Our Vision for Art and Design

In line with our school vision—a caring community where everyone can grow, learn, and adapt for the future—our Art curriculum encourages pupils to develop resilience, resourcefulness, risk-taking, strong relationships, and reflectiveness. These learning behaviours empower our pupils to become confident artists who can communicate their ideas, analyse creative works, and develop their skills over time.

Intent: What We Aim to Achieve

• Engagement and Inspiration: We provide open-ended opportunities for pupils to explore their creativity using diverse media including drawing, painting, sculpture, print-making, and digital art.

• Cultural and Historical Awareness: Pupils study the work of a range of artists—local and global, famous and lesser-known—including architects, photographers, and print-makers. This enriches their understanding of different cultural and historical contexts, inspiring their own creations.
• Visual Language Development: Through evaluating and analysing creative works, children develop a strong visual language and gain confidence in explaining their artistic choices.
• Sketchbooks as Creative Spaces: Each pupil from Year 3 onwards has a sketchbook, which serves as a personal space to experiment, reflect, and develop ideas—fostering independence and creative thinking.

Implementation: How We Deliver Our Art Curriculum

• Curriculum Structure:
  From Year 3 to Year 6, we follow the Access Art curriculum plan aligned with the National Curriculum. Each project follows a clear format that includes warm-ups, artist studies, hands-on activities, and reflection or critique sessions.

• Cross-Curricular Links:
  Art is sometimes integrated with other subjects or themes, allowing children to apply their skills creatively and independently. Projects are taught weekly or in blocks, tailored to the needs of the topic.
• Learning Behaviours:
  Our teaching is driven by the 5 R’s—Resilience, Resourcefulness, Risk Taking, Relationships, and Reflectiveness—helping pupils to develop essential skills that enhance their artistic journey.
• Community and Environment:
  We enrich learning by linking with local arts organisations like Rheghed and Penrith Museum and using the stunning Lake District landscape as inspiration and a source of natural materials.
• Resources and Facilities:
  Our well-equipped Art room, with child-friendly access to materials and tools, supports creativity and responsibility. Specialist equipment is available as needed, and we invite visiting artists and community members to share their expertise.
• Supporting All Pupils:
  We are committed to inclusivity and ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, have access to tailored learning opportunities in Art. Individual Education Plans guide personalised support.

Impact: What Our Pupils Achieve

• Skill Development:
  Pupils become proficient in a variety of artistic techniques and media, building a secure and well-connected understanding of Art and Design.

• Confidence and Creativity:
  Through regular critique sessions and reflection, children learn to articulate their artistic decisions and appreciate the work of others.

• Assessment and Progression:
  Teachers assess the creative process using observations and looking at sketchbooks. Pupils receive feedback that supports their growth, with gifted and talented artists encouraged to participate in competitions and community events.
• Community Engagement:
  We celebrate pupils’ achievements by showcasing their work during curriculum evenings and through collaborations with local organisations, fostering a strong sense of pride and belonging.
• Continuity and Collaboration:
  We work closely with Brunswick Infants and Ullswater Community College to ensure there is smooth progression and continuity in Art education from early years through secondary school.

Commitment to Staff Development and Safety

• Our Art subject leader continuously monitors teaching quality and pupil progress, providing strategic leadership and supporting staff through professional development opportunities, including Access Art online courses.

• Health and safety are paramount; risk assessments are conducted for projects, and safe use of tools is taught and enforced.

Our Art curriculum reflects North Lakes School’s vision of a caring community where every pupil can grow, learn, and succeed. Through high-quality teaching, meaningful experiences, and strong community links, we inspire children to develop creativity, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future.

For more information or to get involved in our upcoming art events, please contact the school office. We look forward to welcoming you into our creative community!