Year 1 Art and Design

Identifying and creating different types of lines such as thick, thin, wavy, and jagged. Students discover how lines can represent movement and emotion.

Experimenting with pencils, crayons, pastels, and charcoal to understand how each tool creates unique marks and textures.

Drawing from direct observation of natural objects like shells and leaves. Students focus on looking closely at details before making marks.

Using mirrors to observe facial features and proportions. Students create their first formal self-portrait using charcoal and pencils.

Students observe simple movements and try to capture the essence of action in quick sketches, focusing on gesture rather than detail.

Discovering red, yellow, and blue as the starting point for all other colours. Students explore the properties of tempera paint.

Active experimentation in mixing primary colours to create orange, green, and purple. Students apply these to a landscape painting.

Identifying and using warm colours (red, orange, yellow) and cool colours (blue, green, purple) in simple compositions. Discussing their emotional impact.

Investigating how artists use colour to express mood. Students look at works by Van Gogh and Rothko to discuss feelings.

Practicing different brushstrokes (short, long, dabbing) and basic blending techniques to create smooth transitions between colours.

Manipulating clay through rolling, pinching, and smoothing. Students create small pinch pots and animal figures.

Experimenting with tools and natural objects to create different textures on clay surfaces, such as stamping, incising, and impressing.

Building tall structures using cardboard boxes and found objects. Focus on balance and structural integrity.

Exploring the space between flat drawing and 3D sculpture by folding, curling, and tearing paper to create relief effects.

Learning to roll clay into coils and stack them to build taller, more complex forms than pinch pots.

Using everyday items like sponges, corks, and leaves to create repeating patterns on fabric or paper.

Introduction to basic weaving using paper strips or wool. Students learn the over and under technique to create a grid.

Identifying symmetrical patterns in nature and art. Students create their own symmetrical designs through folding and cutting.

Looking at patterns from different cultures, such as African Kente cloth or Islamic tile art.

Designing and cutting simple stencils. Students use stencils to create repeated patterns with paint or ink.

Students identify and create patterns that show rhythm and movement, like waves or footsteps, using various drawing tools.

Exploring how the first artists made marks on cave walls and comparing them to modern paintings.

Studying Henri Matisse and his cut outs. Students create their own compositions using scissors as a drawing tool.

Focusing on Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' to discuss brushstrokes, colour, and how art can express feelings.

Looking at contemporary artists who use unusual materials like plastic or digital screens.

Discovering art forms from different cultures, such as Aboriginal dot painting or Japanese woodblock prints, and discussing their unique characteristics.

Students examine Frida Kahlo's self-portraits, discussing how she used art to express her feelings and experiences.

Creating images that match a specific character from a well-known story, focusing on conveying personality through visual details.

Drawing backgrounds and settings that enhance the mood and context of a story, considering details like time of day or weather.

Breaking a story down into three parts: beginning, middle, and end. Students draw a simple sequence.

Listening to different types of music and creating abstract drawings or paintings that represent the sounds, rhythms, and emotions heard.

Students design a cover for a favourite story, considering how images and colours can attract readers and hint at the story's content.

Exploring basic drawing applications on tablets or computers, learning to use digital brushes, colours, and erasers.

Understanding pixels as tiny squares of colour and creating simple images using a grid-based digital drawing tool.

Students learn to use digital fill tools and experiment with different colour palettes to quickly colour their digital drawings.

Identifying and discussing public art installations (murals, sculptures) in the local area or through photographs.

Learning about traditional crafts (e.g., pottery, weaving) practiced in the local community and the skills involved.

Collaboratively designing a mural for a school wall or imaginary public space, focusing on themes relevant to the community.

Identifying artistic elements (colour, shape, pattern) in everyday objects like clothing, furniture, and packaging.

Exploring the work of Andy Goldsworthy and creating temporary sculptures using natural materials found outdoors.

Observing and drawing different types of plants and flowers, focusing on their unique shapes, petals, and leaves.

Collecting natural items (leaves, twigs, petals) and arranging them to create collages, exploring texture and composition.

Observing and drawing different animals, focusing on their unique forms, fur/feather patterns, and movements.

Students select one or two favourite artworks from the year and make improvements based on feedback and self-reflection.

Students learn to talk about their own art, explaining their ideas, processes, and what they like about their work.

Preparing and exhibiting final works. Students practice talking about their own art and the work of others.

Students reflect on their growth as artists throughout the year, identifying new skills learned and favourite projects.