At Southwick School, our Art and Design curriculum is shaped by our Christian vision and our guiding principle to “do everything in love.” We strive to create an environment where creativity is celebrated, individuality is valued, and all pupils feel confident to express themselves through artistic exploration.

Our aim is for children to develop a rich appreciation of art in all its forms while building their own creative voice. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques, and styles, learning that art is not about perfection but about expression, imagination, and growth. We want children to take risks, reflect on their work, and develop pride in their creative achievements.

Through studying a diverse range of artists, cultures, and artistic traditions, pupils gain an understanding of the role art plays in the wider world. They are supported to make connections between their own work and the work of others, fostering curiosity, respect, and an appreciation for different perspectives.

Our curriculum is designed to nurture not only technical skills but also emotional expression and wellbeing. In line with our value of “doing everything in love,” pupils are encouraged to approach their own work and the work of others with kindness, respect, and encouragement, creating a positive and inclusive creative community.

Ultimately, we aim for every child to leave Southwick School with a love of art, the confidence to express themselves creatively, and an appreciation of the beauty and diversity of the world around them.

At Southwick School, Art and Design is delivered through three dedicated termly blocks each year, allowing pupils to engage deeply with creative processes and develop their skills over sustained periods of time. Each block is carefully structured to build upon prior learning, enabling pupils to revisit and refine techniques while exploring new ideas and artistic approaches.

Across these units, pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum, working with a variety of media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed materials. Teaching focuses on developing both practical skills and creative thinking, with opportunities for experimentation, reflection, and personal interpretation embedded throughout. Pupils are encouraged to make deliberate choices in their work and to evaluate their outcomes, developing confidence and independence as artists.

A distinctive feature of our curriculum is our two annual Spirited Arts Weeks, where pupils explore art through a Christian perspective. These weeks provide rich opportunities for deeper reflection, allowing children to express spiritual ideas, beliefs, and values through creative outcomes. This strengthens links between Art, RE, and collective worship, and encourages pupils to engage with important themes such as identity, faith, and belonging in a meaningful and personal way.

Through carefully sequenced teaching, immersive creative experiences, and opportunities for spiritual reflection, our Art and Design curriculum at Southwick School enables pupils to grow as thoughtful, expressive, and skilled artists, while always striving to do everything in love.