At Harwood Park, we believe that Art allows children to develop a positive attitude, awareness and knowledge of a variety of styles and forms of art and craft, including opportunities to study the work of other artists, craftspeople and designers from different times and cultures. Children are given the opportunity to experience creative flow, stimulate their creativity and imagination and have the space to play, to fail, to react and to reflect.

In EYFS children follow the curriculum for Expressive Arts and Design as set out in Development Matters. Children in Nursery are exposed to different materials which they can explore freely, to develop their ideas about how to use them and what to make. In Reception children develop and apply learning independently to create their own models and pictures.

From Year 1, children use sketch books effectively. This demonstrates their progression of specific artistic skills as well as demonstrating their ability to respond and evaluate their own work and the work of others with confidence and sensitivity. 

At Harwood Park we want every child to develop the basic language of the visual arts and have access to a varied range of high-quality art experiences. We strive to encourage children to foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts increasing curiosity, confidence and enjoyment of creative activities using a positive growth mindset showing perseverance and enthusiasm. 

At Harwood Park children are expected to: 

• Progressively develop concepts of colour, tone, texture, shape, line, pattern and form and key skills. 

• Progressively develop the practical skills and techniques of Art, using a variety of materials and styles. 

• To engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.  

• To evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design. 

• Use and experiment with a variety of tools and materials to make visual recordings and images both in 2D and 3D. 

• Develop ability to draw, paint, print, make collages and use clay and other sculpture materials.