Intent
At Newlyn School, our Art and Design curriculum is built on the foundations of the Early Learning Goals and the National Curriculum, with a strong focus on creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness. Inspired by the rich artistic heritage of Newlyn and Cornwall, we aim to engage, inspire, and challenge our pupils by introducing them to a broad range of techniques, materials, and diverse artists, both local and global. Through their artistic journey, children will develop the knowledge and skills to experiment, take risks, invent, and create with confidence. We aspire to nurture young artists who are authentic, curious, and celebrate diverse cultures, equipping them with the ability to connect with and contribute to the world around them. Our children are not just learners of art; they are artists in their own right.
Implementation
To achieve our intent, we provide a carefully structured curriculum that ensures progression of skills and knowledge across all key stages. Sketchbooks play a crucial role in our approach, allowing children to document, review, and refine their ideas—mirroring the working practices of professional artists, craft makers, and designers. We thoughtfully integrate our locality into the curriculum by exploring significant local artists from the past and present, ensuring that children understand their cultural roots. We also introduce children to artists, historical and contemporary, from different places and cultural backgrounds, developing a global perspective. We place great emphasis on providing real-life experiences and exciting opportunities for enrichment, such as gallery visits, artist workshops, and community projects, to bring learning to life and inspire creativity beyond the classroom.
Impact
Through our Art and Design curriculum, children at Newlyn School develop a deep appreciation of their local artistic heritage while cultivating the confidence to express their own creativity. They gain a sense of pride in their work, understanding that they are part of a rich artistic legacy that extends from the earliest cave paintings to contemporary global artistry. Our children leave primary school with a lifelong love of art, a strong foundation of skills, and the ability to think creatively across disciplines. Most importantly, they carry forward a sense of aspiration and possibility—placing roots in their cultural heritage while developing the wings to explore and contribute to the wider artistic world. By embedding a love for art in their learning journey and providing real-life experiences that enhance their understanding, we empower them to become the next generation of artists, designers, and creative thinkers who shape and enrich our society.