The Grammarsaurus Art Curriculum aligns with the English National
Curriculum.
The three domains have been mapped across three themes to ensure that
pupils following our learning sequence have ample opportunity to progress in art by developing their
practical knowledge, theoretical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge.
Themes
Domains of knowledge
Curriculum aims for KS1 and KS2
The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:
- produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
- become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
- evaluate and analyse works using the language of art, craft and design
- know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms
Y1
Chromatic
Does abstract art mean anything?
In this painting unit, children will learn what abstract
art is and what meanings it can have.
They will develop some skills with paint that will start their primary school journey to becoming
proficient as a painter.
They will know about the work of artists and designers worldwide, describing the differences and
similarities between pieces and making links to their own.
Monochromatic
What is drawing?
In this drawing unit, children will learn about using a
pencil to create lines, shapes, and values.
They will develop some drawing skills to start their primary school journey to becoming proficient
drawers. They will learn about the work of various artists and consider the different purposes that
drawing can have.
Sculpture
Why do sculptors sculpt?
In this sculpture unit, children will learn what
sculpture is and its purpose using clay. They will develop some skills with clay that will start
their primary school journey of becoming proficient with clay as a medium. They will learn about the
work of some artists, crafters, and designers, describe the differences and similarities between
different practices and disciplines, and make links to their own work.
Y2
Chromatic
How can artists use colour?
Children will learn colour theory in this painting unit
and create landscapes using complementary colours. They will also continue to develop some skills
with paint that will continue their primary school journey to becoming proficient as painters. They
will learn abbout the work of an artist who designs prints and become more skilled at talking about
their own art process.
Monochromatic
How can patterns be used in art?
In this drawing and collage unit, children will develop
their understanding of patterns. They will create a variety of monochromatic patterns and look at
animals, mosaic flooring, wallpaper, and mehndi designs. They will learn how to describe patterns
considering line, shape, and space. They will learn from the work of designers and artists. They
will develop their mastery of pencil control, working to draw detailed and precise patterns. They
will learn that humans have been designing for thousands of years worldwide.
Sculpture
How have castles inspired artists?
In this sculpture unit, children will learn what
sculpture is and its purpose using clay. They will develop some skills with clay that will start
their primary school journey of becoming proficient with clay as a medium. They will learn about the
work of some artists, crafters, and designers, describe the differences and similarities between
different practices and disciplines, and make links to their own work.
Y3
Chromatic
What is illustration?
In this painting unit, children will learn what
illustration is. They will learn how art can have a range of purposes. They will develop their
painting skills by learning about watercolour paints and how they should be used. They will know
about the work of a range of illustrators. They will describe the differences and similarities
between work and between different mediums (watercolour and acrylic).
Monochromatic
How do artists draw faces?
In this drawing and collage unit, children will develop
their drawing skills and learn how to observe and draw the features of a face. They will learn how
lines and shapes help us draw realistic facial features. They will learn about drawing textures and
be inspired by the work of multiple artists they will encounter again throughout their primary
studies.
Sculpture
How can where you live impact you as an
artist?
In this sculpture unit using clay, children will build on
their knowledge and skills of sculpture and clay that they have studied through their previous
units. Children will learn from great artists and begin to evaluate and analyse creative works using
the language of art. Children will produce their own creative work, exploring their ideas and
recording their experiences. They will begin to develop proficiency in sculpture techniques.
Y4
Chromatic
Why do artists keep sketchbooks?
In this painting and collage unit, children will learn
how artists use sketchbooks. They will learn what mixed media is and use collage and watercolour
while being inspired by buildings and the work of other artists. They will learn about the work of
an architect, some Victorian photo collages, and a contemporary collagist. They will develop their
ability to evaluate their own work. They will become more confident while creating their own more
divergent outcomes.
Monochromatic
How do artists draw perspective?
In this drawing unit, children will learn how artists
create perspective, use line, shape, and value to create a sense of form, and learn about different
shading techniques. They will learn from the work of great painters, modern artists, and collagists.
They will develop their ability to evaluate their own work and become more confident while creating
their own more divergent outcomes.
Sculpture
What can pottery tell us about the past?
In this clay sculpture unit, children will build on their
knowledge and skills of sculpture and clay that they have studied through their previous work. They
will learn from great artists and begin to evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of
art. Children will produce their own creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their
experiences. They will begin to develop proficiency in sculpture techniques.
Y5
Chromatic
How realistic do portraits need to be?
In this painting unit, children will learn about the
seven elements of art and portraiture. They will use measurements to create a face with realistic
proportions. They will revise how to use watercolour paints. They will understand that art does not
need to be realistic to be 'good'. They will encounter a range of portrait artists from across
history and the world. They will create a self-portrait using a collage. They will develop their
ability to evaluate their own work. They will become more confident whilst creating their own more
divergent outcomes.
Monochromatic
How can we find our own style of drawings?
In this drawing unit, children will build on the
knowledge and skills they have studied through KS2 and KS1. Children will explore different styles
of drawings to develop an understanding of their own style. They will develop their vocabulary to
describe the style of art. They will learn specific skills and techniques to confidently use shape
and value to create form in their drawings. They will understand when they might choose different
pencils and the effect their choice may have. They will be able to articulate their observations.
They will evalute their own work.
Sculpture
How can flowers inspire artists?
In this clay sculpture unit, children will build on their
knowledge and skills of sculpture and clay that they have studied through LKS2 and KS1. They will
learn from great artists and evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art. Children
will produce their own creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences. They
will begin to demonstrate proficiency in sculpture techniques.
Y6
Chromatic
Can art help save the planet?
In this final painting and collage unit, children will
build on the knowledge and skills they have studied through KS2 and KS1. Children will learn
specific skills and techniques to confidently use the seven elements of art within their own work.
They will use watercolour paints with proficiency and control. They will understand that art can
reflect and impact society. They will have considered the sustainability and environmental impact of
art. They will be able to articulate their observations. They will evaluate their own work as well
as that of their peers.
Monochromatic
What mistakes can artists make when drawing
faces?
In this final drawing unit, children will build on the
knowledge and skills they have studied through KS2 and KS1. They will learn specific skills and
techniques to confidently use line, shape, and value to create their own artwork. They will use
pencils and ballpoint pens to explore shading, blending, and mark-making and will have developed
proficiency in controlling and selecting the appropriate tools. They will be able to articulate
their observations. They will evaluate their own work as well as that of their peers.
Sculpture
How can food inspire artists?
In this final clay sculpture unit, children will build on
their knowledge and skills of sculpture and clay that they have studied through KS2 and KS1. They
will learn from great artists and evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art.
Children will produce their own creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their
experiences. They will demonstrate proficiency in sculpture techniques.
