“Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself

has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot

waste this talent, but must develop it."

Pope John Paull II
                                                                                                                        

Our Art and Design curriculum spans from Foundation Stage to Year 6 and is delivered through the Kapow Curriculum. The planning is cross-curricular and creatively designed, with art projects often integrated into class topics to deepen students’ understanding of key historical and geographical concepts. When appropriate, Art and Design projects may also be linked to community or cultural issues, fostering a connection between students and the world around them, while helping them understand their individual role in society.

We place great value on the progress and development of our students across the entire arts curriculum, including art, design and technology (DT), dance, and music. Through the arts, students are encouraged to express themselves and engage with learning in dynamic ways. They are supported in making mistakes, persevering, and building resilience, which nurtures independent learners who thrive as they advance in their education. Topic-based work offers opportunities to explore the arts within a variety of subjects, all while fostering the development of progressive skills. In the arts, creativity knows no bounds, and we actively encourage each child’s individuality and artistic expression.

Statement of Intent

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we value Art and Design as an essential part of every child’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. The Kapow Art and Design Programme provides opportunities for children to develop and extend their skills, express their individual interests, thoughts, and ideas, and engage with the world through creative exploration.

Art, craft, and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. Our high-quality art and design education engages, inspires, and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent, and create their own works of art.  Through our programme, we aim to foster a lifelong appreciation of creativity and critical thinking, enabling pupils to:

• Explore and Develop: Build practical skills across a range of artistic disciplines while expressing their individuality and imagination.
• Think Critically: Develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design, encouraging thoughtful reflection and problem-solving.
• Connect with Culture: Understand how art and design reflect and shape history, and how they contribute to the culture, creativity, and wealth of our nation.

The Kapow scheme ensures that students have access to a high-quality curriculum that celebrates innovation and nurtures each child’s artistic potential. By immersing students in a variety of techniques, mediums, and cultural traditions, we inspire them to appreciate diversity and deepen their connection to the world around them.

At St Mary’s, we believe that Art and Design is more than a subject— it provides powerful tools for personal growth, cultural understanding, and creative expression.

Implementation

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, the Kapow Art and Design scheme is implemented through a structured, progressive curriculum that ensures all pupils build their knowledge and skills over time. Lessons are carefully planned to cover a broad range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, and digital media. Teaching is always inclusive and accessible, providing opportunities for all children to succeed regardless of their starting point or ability.

Kapow emphasizes three key types of knowledge in Art and Design. These types of knowledge form the foundation of our approach, enabling pupils to connect theory with practice as they progress through the curriculum.

Teachers deliver engaging, hands-on lessons that integrate practical skill-building with opportunities to explore and evaluate works of art from various cultures and historical periods. Each unit of work includes clear learning objectives, practical demonstrations, and assessment opportunities to track progress and celebrate achievements. Cross-curricular links are embedded where appropriate, allowing pupils to apply their creativity to other areas of learning, such as history, science, literacy and RE.

Regular opportunities for reflection, self-assessment, and peer feedback encourage children to think critically about their work and the work of others, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Children are supported to develop the confidence to experiment, the resilience to learn from mistakes, and the ability to articulate their creative ideas effectively.

Impact

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Art and Design play a vital role in inspiring creativity and enthusiasm in our pupils. Children thoroughly enjoy their art lessons, embracing the opportunity to explore their imagination, develop new skills, and express themselves. They take immense pride in their work, celebrating their individuality and the effort they invest in their creations.

Our carefully planned curriculum equips pupils with a range of artistic techniques and encourages them to think critically about their own work and the work of others. Beyond creativity, they develop key skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and collaboration, which are invaluable in all areas of learning and personal growth. Through Art and Design, children gain a greater understanding of culture and history, deepening their appreciation for the world around them.

By the time they leave St Mary’s, our pupils have built a portfolio that reflects their artistic journey and accomplishments. More importantly, they have grown in confidence, developed a love of creativity, and learned to see the value of artistic expression in their lives. At St Mary’s, we are proud to nurture thoughtful, imaginative, and confident individuals who are prepared to approach the future with creativity and an open mind.