At Black Combe Junior School, we believe that every day, every opportunity, every experience and every child counts. Through our Art and Design curriculum, we inspire children to be creative, curious and confident in expressing themselves. We believe that every child is an artist, and we aim to provide opportunities for all pupils to explore their imagination, develop their talents and discover the enjoyment that creativity can bring.

Using the United Learning Art and Design Curriculum, we provide a broad, progressive and inclusive curriculum that develops children's knowledge, skills and appreciation of art, craft and design. Through a carefully sequenced programme of learning, pupils revisit and build upon key artistic skills throughout their primary years, enabling them to grow in confidence and develop increasing independence as young artists. 

Children explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles and sculpture. They are encouraged to experiment with different materials, techniques and ideas, taking creative risks and learning that art is a journey of discovery as well as a finished product. Sketchbooks play an important role in this process, providing a space where children can record their ideas, practise new skills, reflect on their learning and celebrate their creative development. 

We believe that art helps children make sense of the world around them. Through studying the work of a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures, places and periods in history, pupils learn to appreciate different perspectives and understand how creativity can communicate ideas, emotions and experiences. Art provides opportunities for children to express themselves, build confidence and develop a sense of pride in their achievements. 

Art and Design is an important part of our vision to nurture children as individuals, celebrate their uniqueness and prepare them for the next stage of their education and future life. We encourage pupils to be imaginative, resilient and reflective, whilst developing the confidence to share ideas, discuss their work and take pride in their progress. Through a range of creative experiences, children learn to challenge themselves, persevere when things do not go to plan and recognise that mistakes often lead to new ideas and opportunities.

Our Art and Design curriculum supports the core values that underpin life at Black Combe Junior School:

• Responsibility by encouraging pupils to take ownership of their learning and care for the materials and resources they use.
• Co-operation through sharing ideas, collaborating with others and learning from different viewpoints.
• Honesty by reflecting thoughtfully on their work and recognising both successes and opportunities for improvement.
• Respect through valuing different artistic styles, cultures, traditions and creative responses.
• Kindness by celebrating the achievements of others and offering encouragement and support.

Art also helps our children develop a sense of belonging within their local, national and global communities. Through exploring art from different cultures and traditions, pupils gain a greater understanding of the world around them and learn how creativity can connect people, ideas and experiences.

At Black Combe Junior School, we want every child to leave with a love of creativity, confidence in their own artistic abilities and an appreciation of the important role that art plays in our lives. By fostering imagination, curiosity and self-expression, we aim to inspire lifelong creativity and help our pupils grow, achieve, aspire and inspire.