Subject Leader: Miss Pearson
1. Our Art Curriculum
Art and Design is an important part of life at Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge CE Primary because it nurtures creativity, confidence, and curiosity in every child. Through our carefully sequenced curriculum, based on the National Curriculum and enriched by the Chris Quigley Essentials framework and Access Art, pupils learn a wide range of skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media.
Lessons are practical and engaging, using modelling and hands-on experiences, and children enjoy opportunities to showcase their work in gallery evenings and themed art weeks. Our approach reflects our Christian values of respect, compassion, responsibility, perseverance and trust, encouraging pupils to celebrate diversity and work collaboratively.
Enrichment activities such as art clubs, cross-curricular projects and links to history and geography make learning meaningful and fun. These experiences help children develop resilience, independence, and teamwork, preparing them to flourish in the wider world.
2. Subject Vision and Intent
At Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge CE school, Art and Design is a vital part of our curriculum, giving every child the opportunity to explore creativity, develop confidence and express ideas in meaningful ways. Reflecting our Christian ethos and school vision, this subject celebrates the beauty of God’s creation and encourages pupils to value diversity, compassion and respect through artistic expression.
Following the Chris Quigley curriculum and schemes such as Access Art, pupils progressively build knowledge of artistic concepts, techniques and influential artists, while developing skills in observation, experimentation and critical evaluation. These experiences nurture imagination and originality, contributing to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by inspiring awe, empathy, and thoughtful responses to the world around them.
In line with the National Curriculum for Art and Design, our intent is to ensure children become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms, and can think critically about art. This prepares them for life beyond primary school by equipping them with transferable skills, creativity, problem-solving, and visual literacy, essential for success in an increasingly creative and interconnected world.
3. Implementation — How the Curriculum Is Delivered
Our Art and Design curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively across the school. Lessons are taught in blocks of six during an art-themed week, following the Chris Quigley Essentials framework and AccessArt schemes to ensure depth and breadth of learning.
Teachers adapt planning and delivery to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, through adapted tasks, scaffolding and targeted support. Staff subject knowledge is strengthened through regular CPD, collaborative planning and modelling of best practice. Enrichment opportunities such as gallery evenings, art clubs led by staff, themed weeks and links to historical and geographical topics inspire creativity and deepen engagement.
Our curriculum is enriched by partnerships with the local community and church, fostering shared experiences and celebrating pupils’ achievements. These approaches ensure that every child has access to high-quality art education that nurtures creativity, confidence, and cultural awareness.
4. Inclusion and SEND
Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to be ambitious and accessible for every child. Teachers use modelling, practical application, and hands-on experiences to support learning, ensuring pupils can explore and practise skills through a structured “I do, we do, you do” approach.
A wide range of materials and tools are provided, alongside vocabulary word mats to strengthen language and understanding. For pupils with SEND or additional needs, strategies such as adapted resources, scaffolding and personalised support help them progress from their starting points and experience success. These approaches build confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging, allowing all children to express themselves and celebrate their achievements. Art and Design plays a vital role in promoting wellbeing and resilience, fostering an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and inspired.
5. Personal Development and Cultural Capital
Art and Design at Coalbrookdale plays a vital role in pupils’ personal growth and character development, fostering resilience, curiosity, independence and teamwork through creative exploration and collaborative projects.
Rooted in our Christian ethos and aligned with the National Curriculum and Chris Quigley Essentials framework, the subject provides opportunities for children to reflect on moral, cultural, and global themes, deepening their understanding of diversity and compassion.
Through practical experiences, modelling, and structured sequences of learning, pupils develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to express themselves thoughtfully. Enrichment activities such as gallery evenings, themed weeks and links to historical and geographical topics broaden horizons and inspire engagement. By nurturing creativity and critical thinking, Art and Design equips children with transferable skills and cultural awareness, preparing them to flourish in the wider world as responsible, reflective individuals.
6. Impact — Monitoring, Evidence and Outcomes
The quality of teaching and learning in Art and Design is monitored through lesson observations, book looks, pupil voice, and planning reviews to ensure high standards and consistency. Recent evaluations show improved alignment between planning and the long-term art overview, with clear incorporation of key knowledge and skills.
Evidence indicates that pupils are regularly practising core techniques and making meaningful connections between colour, painting and drawing. Children demonstrate enjoyment and recall of key knowledge through discussions and creative outcomes. Recent developments include strengthened planning and consistency across the school, while next steps focus on enhancing fine and gross motor skills to support artistic development and creating more opportunities for cross-curricular links, enabling pupils to apply and articulate their learning in wider contexts.
7. Subject Leadership and Development
As Art and Design subject lead, I work closely with staff to ensure high-quality teaching and consistency across the school. Through staff meetings and professional development, teachers have been provided with practical insights, activity ideas and strategies to adapt lessons for pupils with SEND.
A one-page teaching profile supports staff in assessing prior learning and planning effectively. Good practice is shared through collaborative discussions and planning reviews, aligning with the long-term art overview and whole-school priorities in the School Development Plan. This approach strengthens staff confidence, promotes inclusive teaching, and ensures that Art and Design continues to flourish as part of our collective improvement journey.