National curriculum alignment for our Art and design scheme

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

How does this document support Art curriculum planning? 

The document maps each unit to the specific content and aims of the National curriculum, ensuring that every lesson contributes to the spiral progression of skills and knowledge and supports pupils in achieving end-of-key-stage targets.

For EYFS, the document outlines alignment with the Early Learning Goals and Development Matters statements, offering guidance on Art and design progression and transition to KS1.

What core art skills and knowledge are covered? 

Kapow Primary’s Art and design scheme is built around the following five strands:

• Generating ideas: Promoting creative thinking and initial concept development.
• Using sketchbooks: Emphasising sketchbooks as vital tools for recording observations, planning, and revisiting ideas.
• Making skills: Developing practical expertise in art techniques, encompassing drawing, painting, sculpture and craft and design. 
• 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.

All the strands contribute to pupils’ understanding of the formal elements of art.

How does this curriculum coverage document support teachers? 

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

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? 

• Access the standard Art and design long-term plan via the Art and design: Curriculum portal.
• If you subscribe to both subjects and follow the Art and D&T long-term plan, see the corresponding Art and D&T: Progression of skills and knowledge.
• See how children begin their Kapow Primary creative journey by browsing EYFS (Reception) Art and design units. 
• Browse 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.