Art & Design
At Ainsdale St. John's, we believe that art is a powerful way for children to express themselves, explore their creativity and develop confidence in their own ideas. We encourage pupils to be curious, imaginative and reflective, providing opportunities to experiment with a range of materials, techniques and artistic styles. Through creating, evaluating and discussing artwork, children learn to communicate their thoughts and feelings while developing an appreciation of art from different cultures, traditions and time periods.
Our aim is for every child to see themselves as an artist, take pride in their creativity and develop the confidence to express their unique ideas. By fostering a love of art and encouraging creative risk-taking, we help children develop skills that support learning across the curriculum and enrich their understanding of the world around them.
Kapow Primary
At Ainsdale St. John's, we follow the Kapow Primary Art and Design curriculum from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum is designed to develop children's knowledge, skills and understanding through a broad and balanced range of artistic experiences. Learning is organised around the key areas of drawing, painting and mixed media, sculpture and 3D, craft and design, enabling children to explore a wide variety of materials, techniques and creative processes.
Kapow's curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills build progressively over time. Children develop their practical skills alongside their understanding of key artistic concepts such as colour, line, shape, form, pattern, texture and tone. They are encouraged to experiment, take creative risks and reflect on their own work as they develop confidence as artists.
Throughout the curriculum, children study the work of a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures and periods in history. They learn to analyse and discuss artwork using appropriate artistic vocabulary and draw inspiration from a variety of creative influences. Opportunities to evaluate, refine and improve their work help children develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the artistic process.
The Kapow curriculum aims to develop children's creativity, imagination and artistic confidence while ensuring progression in both knowledge and practical skills. Through this approach, pupils are equipped with the skills and appreciation needed to engage with and enjoy art throughout their lives.
Working in Partnership
Parents can play an important role in developing their child's creativity and confidence in art. Encouraging children to draw, paint, model, design and create at home helps them to practise the skills they learn in school while developing their imagination and self-expression. Art does not need expensive resources – sketching, colouring, junk modelling, photography and nature-inspired artwork can all provide valuable creative experiences.
Talking about artwork together can also help children develop their artistic understanding. Encourage your child to describe what they notice in paintings, sculptures and designs, discuss how artists use colour and texture, and share their own opinions about artwork. Visits to galleries, museums and local exhibitions can further inspire creativity and curiosity.
The following websites provide engaging, age-appropriate resources to support art learning at home:
Tate Kids
Games, videos, activities and inspiration linked to artists and artwork.
https://www.tate.org.uk/kidsBBC Bitesize Art and Design
Videos, activities and information covering a range of artistic techniques and artists.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesizeThe National Gallery
Family activities, virtual exhibitions and resources exploring famous works of art.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.ukThe Artsology Art Games
Interactive art activities and games introducing children to artists and artistic styles.
https://artsology.comThe Metropolitan Museum of Art – MetKids
Child-friendly videos, interactive maps and creative activities inspired by artworks from around the world.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/metkidsRed Ted Art
Creative art and craft projects suitable for primary-aged children.
https://www.redtedart.comAccessArt
Practical art activities and creative challenges for children and families.
https://www.accessart.org.uk
Most importantly, celebrate your child's creativity and encourage them to experiment, take risks and enjoy the artistic process. Displaying artwork at home and talking positively about their creations can help build confidence and foster a lifelong appreciation of art and design.