Art & Design

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that creativity is an essential part of a child’s development. Through Art & Design, children learn how to express ideas, communicate emotions, solve problems and view the world from different perspectives.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire creativity whilst developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become thoughtful and reflective artists. We want every child to see themselves as an artist and to understand that art is for everyone.

By exploring a diverse range of artists, designers, cultures and artistic movements, pupils develop an appreciation of both historical and contemporary creativity whilst building their own artistic voice.

Our curriculum has been carefully sequenced from Early Years to Year 6 to ensure pupils progressively develop both:

• Substantive knowledge – the facts, concepts, artists and artistic movements they need to know.
• Disciplinary knowledge – how artists observe, experiment, create, refine and evaluate their work. 

Children revisit and build upon previously taught knowledge and techniques, enabling them to make meaningful connections between different forms of art and develop increasing confidence in their own creative work.

Throughout their journey, pupils learn that art is both a process and a product, with equal importance placed upon experimentation, reflection and final outcomes

Children are taught a broad range of artistic disciplines and techniques throughout their time at Ribbon Academy.

These include:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Collage
• Printmaking
• Textiles
• Digital Art and Design 

Within each discipline, pupils develop an understanding of the techniques, materials and processes used by artists whilst having opportunities to apply and refine their own skills.

Learning is carefully planned so that techniques become increasingly sophisticated as pupils move through the school.

We believe that studying the work of artists, designers and craft makers helps children develop a deeper understanding of creativity and artistic expression.

Pupils explore a diverse range of significant individuals and movements from different cultures, periods and traditions. Through this learning they:

• Develop an understanding of artistic styles and techniques.
• Recognise how art reflects society and culture.
• Build cultural capital and appreciation of creativity.
• Draw inspiration for their own artistic work. 

Children are encouraged not simply to replicate the work of others but to evaluate, adapt and respond creatively to the inspiration they encounter.

At Ribbon Academy, we teach children that artists rarely achieve a final masterpiece on their first attempt.

Our curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to:

• Research and investigate ideas.
• Experiment with materials and techniques.
• Practise and refine skills.
• Design and develop creative responses.
• Evaluate and improve their work.
• Present finished outcomes with pride. 

Throughout this process, children learn resilience, reflection and the confidence to take creative risks.

Across all year groups, pupils are explicitly taught the language of art and design.

Children learn how to discuss:

• Colour
• Form
• Shape
• Texture
• Pattern
• Tone
• Composition
• Technique

This ambitious vocabulary enables pupils to analyse artwork thoughtfully, explain their creative choices and communicate as young artists with increasing confidence.

We are fortunate to have our own dedicated Design Studio, providing an inspiring environment for creative learning.

The studio offers pupils access to a wide range of materials, tools and resources that enable them to:

• Experiment creatively.
• Develop technical expertise.
• Work on larger-scale projects.
• Explore their ideas independently.
• Experience art as practising artists do. 

This specialist environment supports our ambition to ensure creativity flourishes throughout the school.

Creativity begins from the very earliest stages of education.

In Nursery and Reception, children explore colour, texture, shape and pattern through hands-on experiences, observation and imaginative play.

They are encouraged to:

• Explore materials freely.
• Develop fine motor control.
• Express ideas visually.
• Observe the world around them.
• Talk about their creations and creative choices.

These early experiences establish the foundations for future artistic development.

Lessons are designed to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum whilst allowing opportunities for challenge, independence and personal expression. Practical exploration, visual modelling and carefully selected resources enable every child to participate confidently and develop as an artist.

• Appreciates the value of creativity.
• Understands how art reflects cultures, ideas and experiences.
• Has developed a broad range of artistic techniques.
• Can evaluate and improve their own work.
• Takes pride in creative expression.
• Approaches new ideas with imagination, confidence and curiosity.