Art Lead Teacher in school is Miss Elstob

Art at St Cuthbert's

Inspiring curiosity about the past, understanding the present and shaping the future.

Every child is an artist.

At St Cuthbert's, we believe that art is a powerful way for children to express themselves, explore ideas and make sense of the world around them. Through a rich and ambitious curriculum, pupils develop creativity, confidence and technical skills whilst gaining an appreciation of artists, cultures and artistic traditions from across the world. We encourage children to take risks, experiment with different media and take pride in their artistic journey.

Our Vision

We aim for all children to:

🎨 Develop a love of art and creativity

🌍 Appreciate artists, cultures and artistic traditions from around the world

✏️ Experiment confidently with a range of techniques and materials

💡 Generate, develop and communicate their own ideas

📖 Reflect on, evaluate and improve their work

⭐ Become resilient, independent and confident artists

Through art, children learn to express themselves creatively whilst developing knowledge, skills and cultural understanding that will stay with them throughout their lives.

What Art Looks Like

Art at St Cuthbert's is creative, exploratory and ambitious.

In lessons, children:

  • Develop ideas through sketchbook work

  • Explore a wide range of materials and media

  • Learn from significant artists, architects and designers

  • Experiment with techniques and artistic processes

  • Reflect upon and evaluate their own work

  • Create increasingly independent outcomes

Lessons include:

🔁 Retrieval of previous learning

🎨 Exploration and experimentation

👀 Observation and investigation

📖 Sketchbook development

💬 Discussion and evaluation

⭐ Independent artistic outcomes

This approach helps children build secure knowledge whilst developing confidence as artists.

Throughout their journey, children revisit and develop key artistic concepts.

Our Art Threshold Concepts

💡 Generating Ideas -  developing and refining artistic ideas.

✏️ Drawing - Using line, tone, texture, shape and composition to communicate ideas.

🎨 Painting and Colour - Exploring colour theory, mixing, tone and a variety of painting techniques.

🖨️ Printing - Creating patterns, textures and repeated designs using a range of printing methods.

🗿 Sculpture - Developing form, structure and three-dimensional understanding.

🧵 Textiles and Collage - Combining materials, textures and techniques to create creative outcomes.

👩‍🎨 Knowledge of Artists - Exploring how artists, architects and designers have influenced the world and using their work as inspiration.

These concepts are carefully sequenced so that children revisit, deepen and refine their understanding throughout their time at St Cuthbert's.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is carefully sequenced to build both knowledge and artistic skill over time.

EYFS

  • Observational Drawing

  • Printmaking Through Rubbings

  • Winter Paintings

  • Colour Mixing

  • Mark Making and Printing

  • Drawing, Painting and Sculpture Inspired by Arcimboldo

Key Stage 1

Year 1

  • Line and Texture

  • Paper Art

  • Still Life Fruit

Year 2

  • Spirals and Tone

  • Sculpture

  • Diverse Africa

Lower Key Stage 2

Year 3

  • Prehistoric Art Using Natural Pigments

  • Portraits and Relationships

  • Collage and Steampunk

Year 4

  • Pop Art and Food

  • Architecture and 3D Models

  • Installation Art

Upper Key Stage 2

Year 5

  • Eyes: Drawing, Colour and Sculpture

  • William Morris and Printmaking

  • Landscapes

Year 6

  • Still Life: Glass and Collage

  • Propaganda

  • Portraits and People

Learning is carefully planned so that children continuously revisit and build upon previously taught knowledge, skills and techniques.

Supporting Every Child

We believe every child can succeed in art.

Teachers support learning by:

  • Modelling techniques and artistic processes

  • Breaking learning into manageable steps

  • Using visual prompts and examples

  • Providing adapted tools and resources where needed

  • Encouraging independence and creativity

  • Offering timely support and feedback

Our curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, can participate fully and experience success as artists.

How We Support Progress

Teachers regularly assess learning through:

  • Observation and discussion

  • Sketchbook reviews

  • Evaluation of practical outcomes

  • Pupil reflection and self-assessment

  • Retrieval of key knowledge and vocabulary

These approaches help ensure pupils develop both their artistic skills and their understanding of art over time.

Beyond the Classroom

Art is celebrated throughout school and beyond.

Children may experience:

🖼️ Studying the work of significant artists, architects and designers

📚 High-quality stories and class texts that inspire creativity and enrich artistic learning

🎨 Opportunities to explore a wide range of media and materials

🌳 Creative experiences linked to outdoor learning and Forest School

🏫 Displays that celebrate artistic processes as well as finished outcomes

🌍 Exploration of art from different cultures, traditions and historical periods

🖌️ Collaborative projects and cross-curricular learning opportunities

These experiences help children understand how art connects with culture, history, identity and the wider world.

How You Can Help at Home

You do not need to be an artist to support your child.

🎨 Make Time for Creativity

  • Draw, paint or create together.

  • Encourage experimentation rather than focusing on perfection.

📚 Read and Explore

  • Read books featuring artists and creativity.

  • Visit galleries online or in person.

🏛️ Visit Local Cultural Venues

Nearby opportunities include:

  • The National Glass Centre

  • Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

  • Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art

  • Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

  • Laing Art Gallery

💬 Talk About Art

Ask questions such as:

  • What inspired your artwork?

  • What techniques did you use?

  • What would you improve next time?

  • Which artist influenced your work?

These conversations help children develop confidence when discussing and evaluating art.

 

Our Aim

We want every child to leave St Cuthbert's with a lifelong appreciation of art, confidence in their own creativity and a secure understanding of artistic techniques, processes and traditions.

By the end of Year 6, our children are confident, reflective and skilled artists who can create, evaluate and discuss artwork with creativity, resilience and pride.