At The Beaulieu Park Primary School, we believe that art is a powerful way for children to explore, express and understand the world around them. Our knowledge-rich art curriculum develops both creativity and artistic understanding, enabling pupils to build their knowledge of artists, designers, architects and artistic movements whilst developing their own skills as young artists.  

Through carefully planned units of study, children learn about a wide range of artistic concepts such as colour, line, shape, form, texture and space. They explore how these elements are used by artists across different styles, periods and cultures, making connections between the artwork they study and the artwork they create themselves. This allows pupils to develop a deeper appreciation of art while finding their own artistic voice.  

Our curriculum provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Year 1 to Year 6. Children develop proficiency across a range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, textiles, printmaking, photography and mixed media. As they move through the school, pupils become increasingly confident in experimenting with materials, refining techniques and communicating their ideas visually. 

A key feature of our curriculum is the study of the artistic process. Pupils are taught how to observe, analyse, question, explore and evaluate both their own work and the work of others. Younger children begin by making simple observations and exploring materials, while older pupils develop independence through sketching, planning, investigating and refining their ideas. Sketchbooks play an important role in recording this journey and demonstrating progression over time.  

Children are introduced to significant artists, architects and designers from a range of historical periods and cultural traditions. They study key movements in Western art history alongside art from diverse cultures, including Islamic, African and Chinese artistic traditions. Through this broad and balanced approach, pupils gain an understanding of how art has shaped societies throughout history and continues to influence the world today. They also explore the contributions of women artists and individuals from groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in art history. 

By the time pupils leave The Beaulieu Park Primary School, they will have developed a secure understanding of artistic techniques, an appreciation of a wide range of artistic traditions and the confidence to express their own ideas creatively. We aim for every child to see themselves as an artist, equipped with the curiosity, knowledge and skills to appreciate and create art throughout their lives.