The Beacon Church of England Primary School
Art
Art at The Beacon
At The Beacon, our art curriculum aims to unleash creativity and foster enthusiasm, ensuring art remains a joyful, engaging experience for all pupils. Our skills- and knowledge-based curriculum is designed to develop progressively each year, building on previous learning. Pupils gain confidence in applying essential skills, knowledge, and vocabulary to make meaningful progress in art.
Our curriculum celebrates cultural diversity, featuring artists from various backgrounds to inspire pupils and connect them to broader societal themes. Art is presented as an inclusive medium that both reflects and shapes history, contributing to our cultural richness. Pupils explore diverse artistic styles, deepening their understanding of inclusivity in the art world.
We hold high expectations, which are reflected in the quality of pupil work. Teachers provide opportunities for self-expression and creativity, supported by high-quality modelling and clear instruction. Art lessons stimulate intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth, offering first-hand experiences across various forms—dance, drama, music, film, and visual art.
In EYFS, pupils experiment with materials, exploring patterns, colours, and different tools. In KS1 and KS2, long-term planning covers core areas like drawing, painting, printing, collage, 3D, and textiles, with lessons connecting art practice to history, movements, and individual artists.
Our art curriculum encourages self-expression, builds self-esteem, and broadens cultural awareness. Through substantive knowledge (understanding of movements, artists, and art history) and disciplinary knowledge (skills, techniques, and art analysis), pupils engage deeply with art, developing both a technical and contextual understanding that grows year by year.
You can find all current Knowledge Organisers as PDFs on each class page.
We are extremely proud to have so many amazing artists who continue to enjoy developing their skills and techniques weekly in their Art Lessons. We have two beautiful displays in school that showcase and brings to life children’s hard work in Art focussing on skills development exploring: Textiles, Mixed-Media, Printmaking, Drawing and Fine Art Painting.
Splash Artwork
Mr C from SPLASH Children's Art and Design has been delivering some brilliant art lessons throughout the year producing some fantastic outcomes. What an amazing opportunity for our children and staff to have an expert delivering specialised art projects in our school.
Splash Art provides children with a relaxed approach to art and design, with a focus on children's cognitive processing and development. SPLASH Art helps children develop their own natural self-expression, with an emphasis on imagination and creativity. They are encouraged to connect with visual stimuli and respond with innovation. The sessions are designed to provide children with the tools to improve self-esteem and to grow in confidence. Age-appropriate skills are shared with the children encouraging them to be independent learners. Our children are extremely proud of their art achievements!
Art Competitions
Throughout the year, we provide our children with Art Competitions designed by our Art Pupil Leadership Team.
Art competitions are more than just contests; they are platforms for children to express themselves, experiment with new ideas, and develop their creative thinking. Here are some ways art competitions can boost creativity in children:
- Encouraging Originality and Innovation: Competitions require children to come up with unique concepts and execute them creatively. This process fosters original thinking and innovation, as children strive to create something distinctive.
- Providing a Sense of Accomplishment: Completing an art piece and receiving recognition boosts a child’s confidence. This sense of accomplishment encourages them to take on new challenges and explore different creative avenues.
- Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills: Art competitions often present themes or prompts that require children to think critically and solve problems creatively. This enhances their ability to approach challenges from various angles and find innovative solutions.
- Promoting Emotional Expression: Art is a powerful medium for expressing emotions. Participating in art competitions allows children to convey their feelings and experiences visually, promoting emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
- Building Perseverance and Patience: Creating art takes time and effort. Participating in competitions teaches children the value of perseverance and patience as they work towards completing their projects.
Remembrance Day Poppies Art Competition 2025
We have so many talented artists and we are so proud of how creative and imaginative our children have been creating such wonderful pieces of artwork that shows poppies at home to honour the fallen heroes who bravely fought for our freedom.
Festive Art Competition 2025
More information to follow...
