Art and Design
The Black Country Schools Federation
At The Black Country Schools, we believe that art and design plays a vital role in developing creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Our curriculum, based on the CUSP Art and Design model, is carefully sequenced to ensure that all pupils master key artistic disciplines while building critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and visual literacy.
Our Approach
We teach art as a rigorous, knowledge-rich subject. Across all key stages, pupils:
- Develop fluency in drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, 3D work, and collage
- Study the work of significant artists, movements, and styles
- Use technical vocabulary with accuracy and confidence
- Retrieve and refine previously taught techniques over time
- Produce high-quality outcomes that demonstrate skill, imagination, and individuality
We actively participate in the CUSP Art Festival, and we are currently working towards the Artsmark Award, underlining our long-term commitment to creativity, expression, and high-quality arts education.
Art in EYFS
In EYFS, art and design sits within Expressive Arts and Design and is taught through both structured input and continuous provision. Children explore:
- Mark-making and early drawing
- Colour mixing and paint application
- Sculpture and construction using clay, paper, and natural materials
- Collage, texture, and pattern
- Artistic expression through role-play and storytelling
This hands-on exploration develops fine motor control, imagination, and early confidence in artistic thinking.
Curriculum Structure
Each phase of the CUSP Art and Design curriculum builds on prior learning and deepens technical knowledge. Disciplines include:
- Drawing – Line, tone, shape, composition, proportion
- Painting – Colour theory, brushwork, texture, expression
- Printmaking – Relief, mono, and cultural pattern-making
- Textiles & Collage – Layering, weaving, embroidery, sustainability
- 3D Work – Clay, sculpture, form, and spatial awareness
- Creative Response – Mixed media, concept exploration, personal expression
Lesson Design
Every art lesson follows a structured sequence:
- Activating Prior Knowledge – Revisiting and retrieving previous learning
- Vocabulary and Concept Input – Introducing technical terms and artistic ideas
- Teacher Modelling – Demonstrating key techniques and styles
- Guided & Independent Practice – Applying skills in purposeful ways
- Reflection & Evaluation – Discussing, critiquing, and improving outcomes
This ensures that learning is memorable, meaningful, and progressive.
Enrichment & Celebration
We extend artistic experiences beyond the classroom through:
- The CUSP Art Festival – Pupils showcase work, collaborate with artists, and celebrate creativity
- Gallery and Museum Links – Supporting cultural capital and wider appreciation of the arts
- Cross-Curricular Projects – Embedding art within history, geography, and science themes
We are proud to be building a culture where creativity is valued, practised, and celebrated.
Assessment
We track progress in art through:
- Sketchbooks and final outcomes
- Use of subject-specific vocabulary
- Self and peer critique
- Observations of skill development and creative thinking over time
Assessment is used formatively — to inform teaching, support feedback, and stretch all pupils towards mastery.
Further Information
For:
- Curriculum overviews by year group
- Sketchbook examples and vocabulary lists
- Artist study recommendations and cultural opportunities
Please contact the CUSP team at cusp@unitysp.co.uk
