National curriculum alignment for our Art and design scheme

This resource demonstrates how Kapow Primary’s Art and design scheme of work covers the statutory guidance from EYFS (Reception) through to KS1 and KS2.

How does this document support curriculum planning? 

The document maps each unit of the scheme to the specific content and aims of the Art and design National curriculum. This ensures that every lesson contributes to the spiral progression of skills and knowledge, leading to the attainment of end-of-key-stage targets.

For EYFS, it details alignment with Early Learning Goals and Development Matters statements, providing transition and EYFS Art guidance.

What core art skills and knowledge are covered? 

Kapow Primary’s Art and design scheme of work is built around five strands:

• Generating ideas: Fostering creative thinking and initial concept development.
• Using sketchbooks: Emphasising sketchbooks as vital tools for recording observations, planning, and revisiting ideas.
• Making skills (including formal elements): Developing practical expertise in art techniques, encompassing drawing, painting, sculpture and craft and design. This includes a focus on formal elements of art, such as line, shape, and colour.
• Knowledge of artists: Introducing pupils to a diverse range of artists, architects and designers, building their understanding of art history.
• Evaluating and analysing: Equipping children with the vocabulary and critical thinking skills to discuss and appraise artworks, including their own.

What are the benefits of this curriculum mapping for teachers? 

This National curriculum mapping document clearly shows which key skills are developed in each unit across the year groups. It ensures a broad and balanced art curriculum, giving children varied experiences with fundamentals.

Supported by this document, teachers will find clear pathways for Art and design assessment, ensuring consistent tracking of pupil progress. 

What other Kapow Primary resources support primary art teaching? 

• For our revised, standard Art and design scheme, see Art and design: Long-term plan.
• If you follow our Long-term plan – condensed, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge – condensed.
• If you subscribe to both subjects and follow our alternating Art and D&T long-term plan, see the corresponding Art and D&T: Progression of skills and knowledge.
• If you follow our Long-term plan – mixed-age, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge – mixed-age version.
• See how children begin their Kapow Primary creative journey with our EYFS (Reception) Art and design units. 
• Browse our Key stage 1, Year 3 and Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 and Mixed-age Art and design units to learn how children develop their skills and knowledge.