"The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before." 
Neil Gaiman

Intent

At Ropsley, we believe that every child is precious in the eyes of God, and we seek to nurture their creativity so they can flourish. Our art curriculum, following the Kapow Primary scheme, is designed to inspire happy hearts and inspired minds by encouraging self-expression, curiosity, and imagination. We aim to provide an inclusive and engaging experience where all children feel valued and empowered to develop their artistic skills.

Through exploring a wide range of techniques, materials, and artistic styles, pupils will build confidence in their creativity and develop a deep appreciation of art in a global context. By the time they leave our school, children will have gained the skills to experiment, reflect, and communicate their ideas through art, fostering a lifelong love of learning and creativity.

Implementation

Our art curriculum follows a well-structured progression, ensuring that pupils build on prior knowledge and skills as they move through the school. Using the Kapow Primary scheme, lessons are designed to be innovative, engaging, and accessible to all, supporting our vision of an inclusive and inspiring curriculum.

The curriculum is structured around five key areas:

• Generating Ideas – Encouraging pupils to develop creative responses and explore their individuality.
• Using Sketchbooks – Embedding reflection and refinement as part of the artistic process.
• Making Skills – Teaching a broad range of techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, and textiles.
• Knowledge of Artists – Exploring diverse artists, craftspeople, and designers from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Evaluating and Analysing – Encouraging pupils to reflect on their own work and that of others with respect and confidence.

Lessons are carefully sequenced to ensure children revisit and refine their skills over time. Creativity is celebrated across the school through vibrant displays, exhibitions, and opportunities for children to share their work within the community. Art is also integrated into wider school life, enriching cross-curricular learning and fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.

Impact

The impact of our art curriculum is evident in the quality of pupil work, which reflects both technical skill and creative expression. Sketchbooks showcase progression in artistic ability, confidence, and critical thinking. Regular assessments, in line with Kapow’s framework, ensure that children are developing their skills effectively.

Pupil voice reflects a deep enjoyment of art, with children expressing enthusiasm and pride in their work. They develop resilience in exploring new techniques, a respect for the creative process, and the confidence to articulate their artistic choices. Teachers observe that art provides a joyful and inclusive space for all learners, enabling every child to shine.

As a result, pupils leave Ropsley with a strong foundation in artistic skills, an appreciation for the diverse world of art, and the confidence to express themselves creatively—ready to continue their learning journey with happy hearts and inspired minds