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Please note
This unit has been updated for 2026–2027 to provide a clearer progression of painting skills and knowledge.
The old unit has moved to the Content archive area, where it will remain permanently available.
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Name and identify primary and secondary colours.
- Explain that primary colours cannot be created by mixing other colours.
- Recognise and explain that mixing primary colours creates new colours.
- Describe which primary colours mix to create each secondary colour.
- Mix a secondary colour successfully for a purpose.
- Identify how artists use paint to create different effects.
- Use a range of brushstrokes with control.
- Make creative choices that show their own thoughts and ideas.
Suggested prior learning
Painting and mixed media: Learning about paint and brush control
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Painting in the Primary classroom
Lessons
Lesson 1: Exploring primary colours
Lesson 2: Primary and secondary colours
Lesson 3: Creating secondary colours for a purpose
Lesson 4: Using paint in different ways
Lesson 5: Applying colour mixing skills
Optional: Lesson 6: Every picture tells a story
Key skills
Generating ideas
- Beginning
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Key knowledge
Making skills
To know:
- The primary
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Key vocabulary
abstract (Y2)
brushstrokes (Y2)
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Equipment list
Equipment needed across all lessons in this unit.
This list does not include equipment which is usually readily available in the classroom (e.g pencils, A4 paper etc)
Download
Full equipment list for the subject
Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected
- Paper ×30
-
Good quality cartridge paper in A3 or sketchbooks/cartridge paper in A3 or A4
×30 - Painting tools: brushes, sponges, rollers, squeegees or old rulers, paper straws ×15
- Paint ×8
- Paint palette ×30
- Paper ×30
- Water pots ×15
- Paper towels ×30
- Table coverings ×8
The equipment below is optional
- Spray bottles ×30
- Paper plates ×30
- Magnifying glass ×30
-
Small toy characters
×15
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Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser – Art and design: Y2: Painting: Colour mixing
Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit ‘Painting: Colour mixing’.
Vocabulary display – Art and design Y2: Painting: Colour mixing
A display version of the unit vocabulary from 'Painting: Colour mixing'.
Subject resources
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Cross-curricular opportunities
RSE and Health Education: Health and wellbeing – General wellbeing
Build on the learning
Painting and mixed media: Exploring texture with paint and collage
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