Art

At New Monument, we believe that art gives every child the opportunity to explore, create, express themselves and see the world in new ways. Our ambition is for pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to think and work as artists, while developing a genuine enjoyment and appreciation of art.

Our curriculum is supported by Kapow Primary and enriched through weekly teaching from a local practising artist, who works alongside our pupils one day each week. This gives children valuable opportunities to learn from an artist, experience high-quality practical teaching and understand that art is a living, creative discipline.

From Nursery to Year 6, pupils build their knowledge and skills progressively. They explore drawing, painting and mixed media, sculpture, craft and design, working with an increasingly wide range of materials, processes and techniques. Children learn important artistic vocabulary and revisit key concepts such as line, shape, colour, texture, tone, form, space and composition, building greater control, independence and sophistication over time. 

Children also encounter the work of a diverse range of artists, designers, sculptors and architects, from Paul Klee and Bridget Riley to Barbara Hepworth, El Anatsui and Zaha Hadid. They learn to look closely, discuss what they see, develop opinions and understand how art can reflect different cultures, experiences, ideas and periods of history.

As pupils progress through New Monument, we want them to become increasingly independent artists: experimenting, making creative choices, refining their work and evaluating both their own artwork and the work of others. By Year 6, pupils are using increasingly sophisticated techniques and are encouraged to develop their own artistic intentions and personal style. 

Above all, our art curriculum is about giving children the freedom and confidence to be creative. We want every pupil to leave New Monument understanding that there is not just one way to be an artist and that their ideas, experiences and creativity have value.