Art at OLSP: Curriculum Intent and Implementation

Our Intent

At OLSP, our Art curriculum aims to nurture creativity, confidence and curiosity in every child. We believe that high‑quality art education allows pupils to express themselves, explore ideas and develop a strong sense of identity. Our intent is for all children to:

• Build secure artistic skills across a wide range of media

• Develop visual language including colour, line, texture and form

• Learn about significant artists from diverse cultures and time periods

• Express ideas confidently and evaluate their work and the work of others

• Experience joy, pride and a sense of achievement through creative exploration

Our children value art deeply. Creativity is celebrated across the school, and pupils understand that art is a powerful way to communicate, reflect and imagine.

Our Implementation

Art at OLSP is delivered through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds skills progressively from Foundation Stage to Year 6. Children explore drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printing and digital media, developing both technical ability and creative independence.

We strengthen our curriculum through:

• Progressive skill development from early mark‑making to confident artistic techniques 

• Practical, hands‑on lessons where children experiment, refine and improve 

• Artist‑inspired units that introduce pupils to varied styles and cultural influences 

• SEND‑inclusive approaches ensuring all children can access and enjoy art 

• High‑quality vocabulary teaching to help children talk confidently about art 

Community and Artist Partnerships

Our children benefit from rich creative experiences beyond the classroom. We have welcomed several local artists into school through the Daisi Foundation, giving pupils the chance to learn new techniques, explore professional artwork and understand how artists work in the real world.

We are also developing strong links with the local artist community in Teignmouth, creating opportunities for workshops, collaborative projects and community art celebrations. These partnerships help children see themselves as artists and understand the value of creativity within their wider community.

Celebrating Creativity

Children’s artwork is proudly displayed throughout OLSP, and we regularly celebrate creativity through exhibitions, themed art weeks and community events. These experiences help pupils feel valued, inspired and confident in their artistic abilities.

What Our Children Say About Art at OLSP

Our pupils speak passionately about what art means to them. Their words show how creativity supports wellbeing, skill‑building and future aspirations.

• “Art helps me develop my skills and do something that makes me happy. It helps me relax.” 

• “You put all your effort into it — it teaches patience and helps you not get angry with things. It helps you centre yourself.” 

• “It helps you calm down.” 

• “If you want to be an artist when you grow up, art lessons help you practise for your future.” 

• “Being able to draw helps you with lots of other kinds of applications.” 

• “It teaches you how to style things and understand how other artists draw and create their own style.