Art

At Herons Dale, Art enables pupils to communicate, explore, create and express themselves through a broad range of artistic experiences. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop knowledge of artistic techniques, materials, processes and artists whilst building confidence, creativity, communication and independence. Art provides opportunities for self-expression, sensory exploration and cultural engagement, preparing pupils to participate meaningfully in school, their communities and the wider world.

At Herons Dale, we believe that art is a powerful way for pupils to communicate, explore, create and express themselves. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils develop artistic knowledge, practical skills and creative confidence while celebrating their individuality and personal achievements.

Our curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to work across a range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, textiles, photography and digital media. Through these experiences, pupils develop an understanding of colour, line, shape, form, texture, pattern and space while learning how artists communicate ideas, emotions and experiences. 

Art is an inclusive subject that enables all pupils to succeed. Learning is adapted to meet individual needs and linked closely to communication, sensory development, independence and preparation for adulthood. We aim to develop pupils who are curious, creative and confident in making choices, expressing opinions and sharing their own ideas with others.

How Art Develops Across Our Pathways

Discoverers

Our youngest learners explore art through sensory experiences, play and exploration. Pupils develop early creative skills by investigating colour, texture, shape and pattern, while strengthening fine motor skills and learning to safely use a range of materials and tools. Art provides opportunities for communication, curiosity and self-expression. 

Explorers

Pupils continue to develop creativity through practical, highly engaging experiences. They experiment with materials, begin to make artistic choices and develop an understanding of key concepts such as line, colour, texture, form and space. Art supports engagement, communication and independent exploration. 

Adventurers and Voyagers

As pupils progress, they develop greater control of artistic techniques and begin to apply their skills more purposefully. Learning focuses on exploring ideas, developing creativity and building connections between artists, materials and techniques. Pupils are encouraged to increasingly reflect on their work, make creative decisions and express personal preferences. 

Pioneers

Formal learners follow a structured and progressive curriculum which develops both artistic knowledge and technical skills. Pupils study a wide range of artists and artistic movements, learning how techniques, materials and visual elements can be used to communicate ideas. They develop increasing independence as artists through planning, creating and evaluating their own work. 

Navigators

Pupils in the Navigator cohort access Art through practical and sensory experiences matched to their interests, regulation and readiness. Pupils make choices, explore materials and communicate ideas or emotions through forms that are meaningful to them. Projects are broken into manageable stages, with visual structure and personalised support helping pupils develop control, resilience, creative confidence and pride in their work.

What Pupils Learn

Across the school, pupils learn to:

• explore and use a wide range of materials, tools and techniques
• develop skills in drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, textiles, printmaking and digital art
• build understanding of artistic concepts such as colour, line, shape, texture, form, pattern and composition
• study artists from different cultures, backgrounds and periods of history
• communicate ideas, emotions and experiences through creative expression
• develop confidence, independence and resilience when creating and evaluating artwork
• make personal choices and express their own artistic preferences.

Cultural Capital and Enrichment

Art plays an important role in helping pupils understand the wider world. Throughout their time at Herons Dale, pupils encounter the work of a diverse range of artists and creative practitioners, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Piet Mondrian, Jean-Michel Basquiat, J.M.W. Turner and Leonardo da Vinci. These experiences broaden pupils’ understanding of different cultures, perspectives and forms of creative expression. 

Where possible, pupils participate in exhibitions, creative projects, community activities and enrichment opportunities that celebrate creativity and promote pride in their achievements.

Preparing for Adulthood and British Values

Through Art, pupils develop skills that support them beyond school. Creativity encourages communication, problem-solving, decision-making, resilience and self-expression. Pupils learn to make independent choices, work collaboratively, reflect on their achievements and share their ideas with others.

These experiences help prepare our pupils to participate confidently in their communities, access cultural opportunities and develop interests that can enrich their future lives.