Mrs K Nelson – Head of Art

Intent

Our Art curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of starting point, can succeed and flourish.  It is carefully sequenced to build knowledge, skills, and understanding over time, enabling pupils to develop as confident, independent, and reflective learners.  Through Art, pupils acquire a wide range of transferable life skills, including problem solving, resilience, patience, and self-discipline, which support their wider personal development.

Rooted in the stages of the creative process, our curriculum places equal value on experimentation, reflection, and outcome.  Pupils are encouraged to take creative risks, learn from mistakes, and refine their work, fostering resilience and a growth mindset.

The curriculum nurtures pupils’ ability to express their identity, beliefs, and values through art, encouraging reflection on both their own experiences and those of others. Pupils are supported to develop their voice with confidence, articulating ideas clearly through both written and verbal responses, with a strong emphasis on disciplinary literacy.

Pupils study a wide and diverse range of artists, craftspeople, and designers from different cultures, backgrounds, and historical contexts.  Enrichment opportunities in Art, such as working with visiting artists and working within the community deepen pupils’ cultural capital and broaden their understanding of the world.

Art is a vital means of self-expression and communication.  It supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, encouraging reflection, empathy, and respect for others.  Our curriculum empowers pupils to recognise and develop their individual talents, fostering confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of identity that will remain with them long after they leave Holy Cross.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Edgar Degas

Curriculum Map

Curriculum Journey