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Subject: Art and design
Art and design curriculum information
Information about Kapow Primary's Art and design curriculum.
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Teacher video: Abstract compositions
This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils are introduced to the terms abstract and composition, using shape as a formal element of art.
Children begin by exploring circles of different sizes, inspired by the work of Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes. Working in pairs, they experiment with composition by moving, overlapping, and even cutting the shapes to create interesting arrangements. Pupils are encouraged to discuss the effects with their peers and photograph their favourite designs. Using their photo as a guide, they then recreate their chosen composition by gluing shapes in place. To add emphasis, children can outline selected shapes in black, considering how this changes the overall effect. By the end of the lesson, pupils will have created their unique abstract artwork, developing their understanding of shape and composition.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 1 Formal elements of art unit.
Teacher video: Self-portrait
This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils explore self-portraits by combining technology and drawing.
Children begin by taking three selfies, before choosing their favourite to develop into a drawing. Using a sharp HB pencil and plain paper, they recreate their chosen image through a continuous line drawing, keeping their pencil on the page at all times. This approach encourages close observation, concentration and fine detail. The first attempt acts as a practice drawing. Pupils then create a final version, again without erasing, and may go over their lines with a fine liner to make their work bolder. By the end of the lesson, children will have created a self-portrait inspired by their own photograph while developing confidence and control in observational line drawing.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 6 Photography unit.
Teacher video: Introduction to sketchbooks
This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils explore how sketchbooks can be used as a creative tool rather than for completed pieces.
Children learn that sketchbooks are a safe place to experiment, make mistakes and develop ideas. They can use them to try different approaches, such as practising shading styles, experimenting with media, or sketching the same subject in several ways. Pupils are also encouraged to add short notes alongside their drawings, recording ideas and possible changes to help them reflect and improve. Through this process, sketchbooks become a space to practise skills, explore texture and detail, and build confidence in experimenting. By the end of the lesson, children will understand that sketchbooks are about creativity and growth, not perfection, and provide a record of their artistic development.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Art and design skills units.
Teacher video: Experimenting with media
This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils develop their drawing skills by experimenting with different media and exploring the effects they can create.
Children begin by looking at Kandinsky’s Squares with Concentric Circles and Bernal’s Red Mardi Gras, noticing how geometric art uses overlapping shapes to form bold compositions. Using a selection of 2D shapes, pupils draw and overlap outlines carefully with pencil before filling each section with a different medium and colour. They learn to compare how materials such as watercolours, pencils and pastels behave, such as whether they smudge, erase easily, or cover large areas effectively. By reflecting on their choices, pupils begin to identify which media they prefer and why.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 1 Drawing: Make your mark unit. This activity builds confidence in drawing and critical reflection on artistic techniques.
Teacher video: Seaside landscape
This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils learn about composition by creating a seaside picture.
Children begin by carefully cutting out images of seaside objects, practising their scissor skills if needed. Once complete, they set the shapes aside before moving on to sketching their background. Pupils draw a horizon line to show where the sea meets the sky, deciding whether their picture will feature mostly sky or mostly land and water. They then add another line to separate the sand from the sea, using different types of lines to represent calm or stormy waves.
Finally, pupils experiment with arranging their cut-out images on the page, moving them around until they are happy with their composition.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 1 Landscapes using different media unit.
Teacher video: Beach collage
This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils complete their seaside paintings, adding colour, detail and texture to bring their compositions to life.
Children begin by painting the objects they cut out in lesson one, working carefully with thin brushes to add features such as eyes, mouths or patterns. They are encouraged to use light and dark tones, or small touches of colour, to make details stand out. While waiting for paint to dry, pupils can enhance their work with decorative features—such as fabric borders, cotton wool clouds, or buttons for crabs and other seaside objects. Finally, they glue their painted pieces into place, referring back to earlier photographs or working from memory. By the end of the lesson, pupils will have created seaside artworks, which could be displayed together as a class collection.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 1 Landscapes using different media unit.
