Art and Design Lead: Miss Kaitlin Johnson

At Lever House, our aim is to educate children through learning, creativity and fun. Using the AccessArt Curriculum, we provide a rich and inclusive visual arts education that inspires curiosity, creativity and confidence in every child.

Through carefully planned sequences of learning, pupils are encouraged to explore, experiment and create. The AccessArt approach allows children to build strong foundations in artistic skills while developing their ability to think, reflect and express themselves creatively. Each unit connects pupils with artists, designers and makers from a wide range of cultures, time periods and backgrounds—helping them understand art as a powerful form of communication that shapes and reflects our world.

Art at Lever House is not just about creating; it’s about thinking like an artist. Children are supported to take creative risks, develop resilience and appreciate that there is no single ‘right’ outcome. This links to our Lever House SPARK teaching children to be ambitious and positive. This process-based learning approach, central to the AccessArt philosophy, aligns perfectly with our school vision—enabling every child to flourish through creativity, curiosity and joy.

As pupils progress through the school, they build on prior skills and experiences, leaving Lever House confident and well-prepared for the next stage of their artistic journey.

Curriculum Mapping Rationale:

Art is delivered through a two-year rolling programme using the AccessArt Primary Art Curriculum. The curriculum has been carefully mapped to ensure progression in knowledge, skills and understanding whilst providing full coverage of the National Curriculum. Learning is sequenced to allow pupils to build upon prior experiences, revisiting and developing key artistic concepts, techniques and processes over time.

Where possible, Art is planned through a topic-based approach to learning, enabling meaningful cross-curricular links to be made with other subjects. This helps pupils make connections across the curriculum and provides a purposeful context for their creative work. The AccessArt curriculum promotes a broad and balanced approach to Art, encouraging pupils to explore, experiment, create and reflect. Units are designed around meaningful creative journeys, introducing pupils to a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers.

Through practical, collaborative and enquiry-based learning opportunities, pupils develop their confidence, creativity and ability to communicate ideas visually. The curriculum aims to foster curiosity and enjoyment in Art whilst equipping pupils with the knowledge, vocabulary and technical skills needed to express themselves creatively. By revisiting and building upon prior learning throughout the rolling programme, pupils are supported in becoming increasingly independent and reflective artists.

Planning:

Art is planned using the AccessArt Primary Art Curriculum, which provides a progressive and skills-based framework that builds pupils’ knowledge, understanding and creativity over time. Units are carefully sequenced and centred around key learning questions (LQs), which help pupils make connections between artists, techniques, materials and creative processes. Knowledge organisers support learning by introducing key vocabulary, concepts and artists. Teaching follows a collaborative and exploratory approach, encouraging pupils to discuss ideas, experiment with materials and learn through practical experiences. Story-based contexts and cross-curricular links are used where appropriate to enrich learning and make meaningful connections with other areas of the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to develop their skills through researching, exploring, creating, reflecting and refining their work, fostering both confidence and independence as young artists.

Assessment:

Assessment in Art is informed by the guidance from AccessArt and is embedded throughout the teaching and learning process. Ongoing formative assessment takes place on a day-to-day basis through observation, discussion, questioning and review activities, allowing teachers to assess pupils’ understanding, skills and creative development. Pre-teaching is used where appropriate to support pupils in accessing new knowledge and techniques. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own work and consider how artists develop and refine their ideas. Assessment is used to inform future planning and ensure that all pupils are supported to make progress within the art curriculum.

Monitoring:

Monitoring takes place throughout the academic year and is closely linked to the School Improvement Plan to ensure continuous development and high standards of teaching and learning. A cycle of monitoring activities is carried out, including book scrutinies, learning walks, pupil voice interviews, planning reviews and assessment checks. These activities provide valuable insight into pupils’ learning and progress, help to identify strengths and areas for development, and inform future actions to support both staff and pupils.

Enrichment Opportunities:

At Lever House, we hold an annual Art Week as part of our enrichment programme, with a different theme chosen each year to inspire creativity and learning. Throughout the week, children take part in the entire artistic process, including researching ideas, planning and designing their work, creating their final pieces, and evaluating their outcomes. The week culminates in the display of their artwork, allowing pupils to celebrate their achievements and share their creativity with others.