🎨 Art and Design at Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy

Intent – What do we aspire for our children?

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, our intent is to engage, inspire and challenge pupils through a rich and inclusive art, craft and design curriculum. Using the AccessArt programme, we introduce children to a broad range of techniques, materials, and the work of diverse artists, craftspeople, and designers. We aim to equip all pupils with the knowledge and skills to explore, experiment, take risks, invent, and create.

Through art, children are encouraged to express their individuality, develop confidence in their ideas, and foster curiosity and respect for the work and perspectives of others. We value the artistic process as much as the outcome, enabling pupils to discover their own voice through visual expression. Art becomes a powerful space for children to explore their identity and connect with others across time and cultures.

By the time they leave primary school, we want every child to feel that they have found an area of the visual arts that is meaningful and engaging to them — whether it’s drawing, making, designing, or talking about art. Most importantly, we want our pupils to develop a lifelong, positive relationship with art — rooted in creative freedom, enjoyment, and self-expression.

We want our children to know that they are artists, craft makers and designers — and that their creative ideas matter.

Impact – How do we know our Art Curriculum is effective?

Pupil Voice
We actively listen to our pupils to assess not only their knowledge retention but also their personal reflections and feelings about their own and others’ artwork. This insight helps us understand their engagement, confidence, and growth as young artists.

Displays
Children’s artwork is proudly showcased throughout the school, creating inspiring displays that celebrate their creativity. These displays are a source of pride for pupils and staff alike, sparking conversations and fostering a vibrant artistic environment for the whole school community.

Sketchbooks
From Year 1 upwards, pupils use sketchbooks as personal creative journals to explore ideas, practice techniques, and record individual responses. These sketchbooks are passed from year to year, providing a clear, tangible record of each child’s artistic journey. They visibly demonstrate progress within units and across key stages, highlighting the development of skills, knowledge, and artistic voice over time.

Implementation – How do we deliver our vision?

We follow the AccessArt curriculum, which supports a progressive, skills-based approach to teaching art that builds knowledge over time. Art is delivered through termly units, each focusing on a different aspect of art practice: one unit on drawing, one on surface and colour, and one on making. This structure allows pupils to develop a broad range of skills and creative approaches across the year.

Each unit is carefully sequenced to develop artistic skills such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media. Lessons provide opportunities for exploration, risk-taking, and meaningful reflection. Children are introduced to a diverse range of contemporary and historical artists, designers, and makers, broadening their understanding of art across cultures and time.

Being located on the edge of the Lake District, we make purposeful use of our local environment and heritage within the curriculum where possible. Where appropriate, we refer to local artists and makers, helping pupils connect their learning to the place where they live and its artistic traditions.

All pupils from Year 1 upwards use sketchbooks as personal creative journals. These books are a space for experimenting, recording ideas, reflecting on processes, and developing artistic voice over time. Teachers are supported with planning resources and professional development through AccessArt, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery across year groups.

Art is valued across the curriculum and beyond — with opportunities for display, celebration, and links to other subjects where appropriate.