At Key Stage 2, pupils continue to develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding in art, craft, and design. The curriculum encourages greater independence, control, and creative expression, while deepening their appreciation of artistic traditions and the work of influential figures in the field.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils should:

• Develop their techniques, including control and use of materials, with creativity, experimentation, and increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.

  Pupils refine their skills through exploration and by making informed artistic choices, experimenting with media, tools, and methods to express their ideas more confidently and purposefully.

Pupils should be taught to:

• Create sketchbooks to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas.

  Sketchbooks are used as a working space where children gather inspiration, experiment, and reflect on their progress. They become an important tool for developing ideas over time.

• Improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting, and sculpture, using a range of materials (e.g. pencil, charcoal, paint, clay).

  Pupils build technical skills through practice, refining techniques and gaining confidence in handling tools and materials. They explore both two- and three-dimensional work, learning how to achieve intended effects.

• Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history.

  Children explore the work and impact of significant figures across various periods, styles, and cultures. They learn to place artists within historical contexts and use this knowledge to inspire their own work.

Our Approach at St Mary’s:

• Art is taught through a sequenced curriculum using AccessArt, ensuring progression across the key stage.

• Children continue to use their sketchbooks as a vital part of their creative journey, developing independence and critical thinking.

• A wide range of materials and techniques are explored to allow all learners to find their strengths and interests.

• Pupils study a diverse selection of artists, architects, and designers—including both historical and contemporary figures—encouraging them to make links between their own work and that of others.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at St Mary’s are confident in their ability to express themselves artistically, use tools and materials with control, and reflect thoughtfully on the role of art and design in their lives and the wider world.