Art 

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we believe that art provides children with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their imagination and express themselves with confidence.

Our art curriculum encourages children to experiment, take creative risks and appreciate the work of others. Through exploring artists, designers and artistic traditions from different periods and cultures, children develop an understanding of the world around them and learn to value different perspectives.

We want every child to see themselves as an artist. Art provides opportunities to develop independence, resilience and self-expression, whilst encouraging children to reflect on their own work and celebrate the achievements of others.

Sketchbooks play an important role in art at Burnt Oak. They provide children with a space to explore ideas, practise techniques, experiment with materials and record their creative journey.

We encourage children to use their sketchbooks to reflect on their learning, develop their ideas and see how their artistic skills progress over time.

  

   

Our Art Curriculum – CUSP

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we follow the CUSP Art Curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced approach to developing artistic knowledge, understanding and practical skills.

Throughout their time with us, children explore a variety of artists, craftspeople and designers, learning about their techniques, influences and contributions to art. They have opportunities to work with different materials and develop their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and other creative processes.

Our curriculum aims to ensure that children:

• Explore their creativity, develop ideas and produce their own artwork.

• Build confidence and proficiency in a range of artistic techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture.

• Use appropriate artistic vocabulary to discuss, evaluate and improve their work.

• Develop an appreciation of significant artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures and historical periods.

 

Design and Technology 

At Burnt Oak Junior School, Design and Technology encourages children to think creatively, solve problems and turn their ideas into practical outcomes.

Through engaging, hands-on projects, children develop the confidence to design, make and evaluate products for a range of purposes. They learn to think independently, work collaboratively and approach challenges with determination and resilience.

Design and Technology also provides meaningful opportunities for children to apply knowledge and skills from other curriculum subjects, including mathematics, science and art.

Our Design and Technology Curriculum – CUSP

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we follow the CUSP Design and Technology Curriculum, which provides a carefully planned and sequenced approach to developing children's knowledge, understanding and practical skills.

Learning builds progressively across the year groups, allowing children to revisit and strengthen their skills whilst exploring new materials, techniques and design challenges. The curriculum encourages children to think about the purpose of products, who they are designed for and how they can be improved.

Children have opportunities to investigate existing products, explore materials and develop their own designs in response to a specific purpose or problem.

Children are encouraged to follow the full design process:

• Research and investigate – exploring existing products and considering their purpose and users.

• Design – developing ideas, making choices and planning their work.

• Make – using tools, equipment and materials safely and effectively to create their products.

• Evaluate – testing their finished products, reflecting on their success and identifying possible improvements.

Practical experiences are central to our approach, allowing children to develop valuable skills whilst learning that making mistakes, adapting ideas and persevering are all important parts of the design process.

Our aim is for children to leave Burnt Oak Junior School as confident, imaginative and resourceful learners who are willing to have a go, think creatively and take pride in what they achieve.