Art & Design
At Brandesburton Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum enables every child to see themselves as an artist. Through drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and printing, pupils develop the skills, techniques and knowledge needed to create independent and expressive artwork.
We encourage pupils to approach art with curiosity and confidence while exploring the question “What is Art?” in age-appropriate ways. By studying traditional, modern and contemporary artists, pupils learn that art reflects culture, time and place.
As a small rural village school serving predominantly White British working and farming families, many pupils have limited exposure to diverse cultures and creative industries. Our curriculum therefore broadens horizons and raises aspirations through engagement with artists, gallery visits and creative experiences beyond the local area.
Local inspiration remains important. Pupils draw on the surrounding countryside and heritage sites such as Wassand Hall, while visits to galleries such as the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull and workshops with visiting artists deepen understanding of authentic artistic practice.
Our curriculum is structured around key artistic disciplines revisited across the school:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Collage (EYFS–Y4)
- Sculpture
- Printing (Y5–Y6)
By valuing the creative process as much as the final outcome, we encourage experimentation, resilience and pride in creative expression.
Implementation
Art and Design begins in EYFS through exploratory experiences that build creative confidence and practical skills.
Art is taught in focused blocks, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in the creative process and develop skills with depth. Units often link to wider curriculum themes so that artwork reflects meaningful historical or geographical contexts.
Each sequence begins with the study of artists and artworks from different cultures and periods. Pupils discuss, analyse and respond to these works before learning and practising new techniques. They then apply these skills to produce their own artwork.
Pupils work both independently and collaboratively, creating two- and three-dimensional pieces using a range of materials and scales.
Art is also celebrated through whole-school Art Weeks, competitions, clubs and community exhibitions. These events strengthen pupils’ sense of pride, celebrate creativity and invite families and the wider community to engage with pupils’ work.
Impact
Pupils leave each key stage with growing technical skills, creative confidence and the ability to discuss their work using artistic vocabulary.
They take pride in their artwork, reflect on their creative choices and show resilience when refining their ideas.
Through artist study, gallery visits and creative exploration, pupils develop both artistic competence and cultural awareness, preparing them to engage confidently with the creative world beyond school.
Design & Technology at Brandesburton Primary School
Intent
At Brandesburton Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum develops pupils as creative designers and problem-solvers. Pupils learn to design, make and evaluate products with confidence and independence.
Through the disciplines of Textiles, Food & Nutrition and Mechanisms & Structures, pupils learn the full design process — identifying needs, developing ideas, creating products and evaluating outcomes.
Our rural context provides meaningful inspiration. Many pupils come from working and farming families, and the curriculum builds on this understanding while broadening awareness of design beyond their immediate environment.
Pupils design products inspired by their learning across the curriculum — for example creating dishes linked to geographical studies or designing beach buggies in upper Key Stage 2.
Partnerships with local businesses, including timber merchants and garden centres, provide materials and real-world connections to industry.
In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils also learn about costing and budgeting within design briefs, developing financial awareness alongside creativity.
Key curriculum concepts are revisited across the school:
- Textiles
- Food & Nutrition
- Mechanisms & Structures
Through this progression, pupils build technical expertise alongside resilience, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Implementation
Design and Technology begins in EYFS through exploratory experiences that develop practical knowledge and early technical skills.
The curriculum is taught in focused blocks, allowing pupils to fully engage in the design process. Units often link with history and geography to provide meaningful contexts and authentic design briefs.
Each unit begins with evaluating existing products. Pupils then design solutions, apply technical skills during the making stage and evaluate their products against the original brief.
Mathematical skills such as measuring, scaling and precision are integrated within design tasks.
Beyond timetabled lessons, pupils develop design skills through clubs and enrichment opportunities.
Safe working practices are emphasised throughout, particularly within Food & Nutrition units.
Impact
Pupils become confident, reflective designers who can explain their ideas and evaluate their work thoughtfully.
By the end of each key stage, pupils will:
- Understand the design process
- Use tools and materials safely
- Apply technical knowledge across textiles, food and mechanisms
- Work both independently and collaboratively
- Recognise the role of design in everyday life
Through practical learning and real-world connections, pupils understand how innovation shapes both local communities and the wider world.
