Art Curriculum

What's happening?

 Year 1

Earth Art

Year 1 children will learn that different cultures painted images on rocks to tell stories. They will make their own pet rocks. The classes will explore what sculptures are and will look at sculptures created from natural materials. Children will explore Rangoli patterns made from flowers and leaves. Children will experience the ancient art of loom weaving. They will begin to understand how weaving works and that many fabrics they wear are woven. Year 1 children will learn about the Indian mandala and why it is important to the Indian culture. 

Giuseppe Archimboldo

These ‘Giuseppe Arcimboldo' lessons for children have children looking at portraits in a whole new light. They will explore a variety of Arcimboldo’s paintings and find out what different natural materials he used to create his portraits. The class will have a go at creating portraits to represent different things, including a portrait made up of their interests.

African Art

Children will explore the colours and patterns of the African landscape and native tribes with this 'African Art' unit. The class will be taught how to create African patterns, explore the Maasai culture and their amazing homemade jewellery. Children will make and decorate tribal masks and water jars, admire the beautiful African sunsets and so much more!

Year 2

Sparks and Flames

Children’s imaginations will be ignited as they create pieces of art themed around The Great Fire of London. They will use chalks, paints, collage and mixed media over the course of the lessons as they create fiery art.

Self-portraits

Children explore famous artists and their self-portraits before challenging them to explore different pencils and paints as well as the medium of collage to create their own artwork. 

Super Sculptures

An introduction at Anthony Gormley's sculptures will occur. They will explore Henry Moore-inspired clay sculptures. Children will look at sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Anish Kapoor, then look at the structure of some natural objects. Following this, they will make sculptures using a range of materials. Children will look at kinetic sculptures by Alexander Calder, then make mobile sculptures. Sculptures by Dale Chihuly will be explored, then create Chihuly-inspired sculptures

Year 3

Famous Buildings

The classes will be introduced to the role of an architect. Children will find out who Sir Christopher Wren was. Year 3 will then immerse themselves in the history, design and features of St Paul’s and St Basil’s Cathedral. Children will be exposed to the symmetry in the Taj Mahal. The pupils will consider how and why trends in architectural styles change over time. They will find out that the Sydney Opera House was designed as part of a competition before exploring the features of this relatively modern building. The children will design their own building for a particular purpose.

Indian Art

Children will explore the history of Indian painting and how the style has changed throughout the centuries. They will find out about the famous Hastimangala festival. Children will look closely at the intricate decorations which adorn elephants during the festival. They will find out what henna is and how it is used to make mehndi patterns. Focusing particularly on symmetry, they will create their own mehndi patterns. Children will learn about the technique of Indian block printing, exploring the ways in which intricate carved patterns are traditionally used to decorate fabric. They are reminded that rangoli patterns are often used during Diwali celebrations. They will look at some examples of rangoli patterns and find out how they are created. Children can then create their own rangoli using coloured salt.

Plant Art

Children will be immersed in the beauty of nature within these lessons. Children will be introduced to a variety of plant-themed artworks created by famous artists and will be encouraged to express their opinions of them. They will learn how to make careful observations, mix different tints, shades and tones of colour, and create the illusion of depth within a picture. They will also have the opportunity to create their own 3D flower sculpture using clay.

Year 4

Jewellery Designs

Children will explore jewellery from early civilisations to help them understand that jewellery has been around since ancient times. They will be able to identify a variety of different gemstones and explain where they come from. Children will find out about the history of Tiffany & Co. They will then be shown how they can create pendants of their own using polymer clay or other materials. Children will find out about the history and design features of the Bulgari jewellery company. They will look at some of the different pieces they produce, particularly their chunky bracelets. Children are then shown three different methods for making bracelets of their own. Children will find out about the history of jewellery company Van Clef and Arpels. They will study some of their jewellery before looking at some its brooches. They will then design and create a brooch or badge of their own using felt and other materials. Children will use everything they have learnt about jewellery and jewellery design to design and create their own piece of jewellery for a particular person or purpose.