At Abbey Gates, art is a subject where pupils from all backgrounds find new ways of expressing themselves and of understanding the world. 

We give our pupils the opportunity to explore their ideas by experimenting, inventing and creating their own varied works of art using a range of materials. They learn how to draw, paint, sculpt and explore other art, craft and design techniques. Another important aspect of our art and design curriculum is learning about how art has shaped our history and how it reflects it.

Our pupils are encouraged to practise their handling, moving and control skills (for example, by painting or using clay). We believe that all materials should be accessible for children to develop and explore their ideas and to be imaginative.

Within our art and design curriculum our pupils are learning about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own and others work.

Our pupils develop and improve their skills in drawing, painting and sculpture using a range of different materials. All pupils from Year 3 are expected to create sketch books to record their learning and to use them to review and revisit ideas. They continue to learn about great artists, architects and designers in history.

Our pupils have the use of a dedicated art room where they take their art lessons. The art room is used regularly for the majority of art lessons, with all it offers in terms of space, access to materials and tools, storage and display. The room is also used at lunchtime and after-school for art clubs led by staff and visiting artists.

Every year in the summer term we celebrate creativity with Arts Week. Pupils, staff and visiting artists come together and work on a series of projects following a collapsed timetable solely dedicated to art. Collaborative projects are produced and pupils learn about a variety of artist and art movements