Art & Design
Welcome to Art and Design at Bussage! 
At Bussage, Art and Design is more than creating pictures—it is about expressing ideas, exploring creativity, and understanding the world through visual language. Our approach to teaching and learning is designed to spark imagination, nurture individuality, inspire a love of Art, help children see the connections between art, culture, and their own lives.
Our Vision: We aim to provide a rich and engaging curriculum where every child can discover an area of art that excites and motivates them. Through a wide range of experiences, children develop the confidence to experiment, invent, and create, while learning to value both the process of creativity and the outcomes they produce. Our goal is to equip children with the skills to think creatively, experiment confidently, and reflect on their work. We encourage pupils to explore different techniques, materials, and artists, developing their own unique artistic voice in a supportive and inclusive environment.
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
What is an Artist?
At Bussage, we believe an Artist is someone who communicates ideas, thoughts, and feelings through creative expression. Learning about Art and Design means developing imagination, creativity, and the confidence to experiment, explore new possibilities and take risks.
Artists are inquisitive, reflective and open-minded. They explore materials, techniques, and ideas, adapting and refining their work as they develop their thinking. They understand that creativity grows through exploration, experimentation, and reflection, and that every step in the creative process has value. 
Artists use drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media to respond to their experiences and the world around them. They also learn to look closely at the work of others, understanding how art reflects cultures, histories, and different perspectives.
Being an artist also involves kindness, collaboration, and respect. Pupils learn that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that creativity thrives when people feel safe, supported, and encouraged.
At the heart of Art and Design is a commitment to imagination, individuality, and creative growth. At Bussage, we encourage children to see themselves as artists, craftsmen and designers —valuing their own ideas and recognising that creativity is a skill that belongs to everyone.
Future Careers in Art and Design
Studying Art and Design supports a wide range of future opportunities. The subject develops creativity, resilience, communication, and problem-solving—skills that are essential in many professions.
Children who enjoy Art may go on to careers such as illustration, design, architecture, animation, and fashion. Others may work in areas such as digital media, marketing, or education.
We want our children to leave Bussage with the confidence to use creativity in their everyday lives and to recognise its importance in shaping the world around them. Art and Design empowers children to think differently, communicate visually, and respond creatively to the world—skills that are valuable in every future pathway.
Our core values in Art and Design
The teaching of Art and Design at Bussage is underpinned by our four cornerstones:
- Hope: Inspiring children to believe in their creative potential and explore ideas with confidence
- Wisdom: Developing understanding through reflection, experimentation, and informed artistic choices
- Community: Creating a supportive environment where ideas are shared and creativity is strengthened through collaboration
- Dignity: Valuing every child’s unique voice and creating a safe space where all feel respected and able to take creative risks
Alongside these, our curriculum reflects key creative principles:
- Creativity develops through ideas, opportunity, and reflection
- Enthusiasm and encouragement help others to grow creatively unlocking potential
- Small steps and experiences lead to greater understanding and big thinking
We strive to ensure that all children feel that their creativity is important, valued, and relevant to their lives.
Join us on a creative journey, where every lesson inspires imagination and helps ideas come to life.
Our Art and Design Curriculum
At Bussage, our Art and Design curriculum is designed to be broad, rich, and progressive, giving children opportunities to explore a wide range of materials, techniques, and artistic approaches.
Children develop their understanding through a wide range of experiences, including:
- Creative Exploration: Experimenting freely with materials, ideas, and techniques
- Skill Development: Building confidence in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media
- Reflection and Growth: Revisiting ideas, refining work, and developing deeper understanding over time
We value the journey of learning, encouraging children to experiment, take risks, and learn from their experiences. This approach ensures that all pupils feel empowered to develop their creativity.
Children experience a range of disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and design, while developing their ability to think creatively and independently.
In Reception, children will:
- Explore and experiment with a wide range of materials and media through play and experimentation
- Express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings through art creatively
- Develop confidence in making choices and sharing their creations
- Begin to reflect on what they have made and how they have made it
- Explore and revisit ideas, developing early creative thinking skills
Art in EYFS is part of Expressive Arts and Design, where children develop creativity, imagination, and confidence through open-ended exploration.
Throughout Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils will learn to:
- Produce creative work, exploring and developing their ideas
- Become increasingly proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other techniques
- Reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others
- Learn about artists, designers, and craftspeople from different times and cultures
As they progress, children develop a deeper understanding of materials and processes, as well as growing independence in their creative choices.
They will learn these skills and knowledge through study of the following areas:
Key Stage 1
- Using a range of materials creatively to design and make artwork
- Developing skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture
- Exploring elements such as colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, and form
- Learning about artists and making connections to their own work
Key Stage 2
- Developing greater control and mastery of techniques
- Using sketchbooks to explore, develop, and revisit ideas
- Experimenting with a wider range of materials and approaches
- Learning about significant artists, architects, and designers across history
Through rich, varied, and meaningful artistic experiences, we aim to nurture confident, reflective, and imaginative individuals who understand the value of creativity and feel empowered to express themselves through Art and Design, engaging creatively with the world around them.