Art and Design & Design Technology
Inspiring Creativity, Imagination and Practical Skills
At Winford Church of England Primary School, we believe that Art and Design and Design and Technology (DT) provide wonderful opportunities for children to express themselves, explore ideas, solve problems and develop practical skills.
Through creative and purposeful learning experiences, we encourage children to be curious, imaginative and confident in trying new things.
Our Christian vision, Together we Flourish, and our school values of Aspire, Belong and Care are reflected in the way children explore their creativity, celebrate individual talents and learn to appreciate the work of others.
Art and Design
Exploring, Creating and Expressing Ideas
Our Art and Design curriculum encourages children to develop their creativity, experiment with different materials and techniques, and communicate ideas through their artwork.
Children learn to observe carefully, explore possibilities and develop their own artistic style.
Throughout their time at Winford, children experience a range of artistic processes, including:
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Drawing – Developing observational skills and exploring line, shape, tone, texture and perspective.
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Painting – Experimenting with colour, mixing, brush techniques and different painting styles.
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Sculpture and 3D Art – Creating three-dimensional work using a variety of materials and techniques.
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Printing and Textiles – Exploring patterns, textures and creative ways of working with different materials.
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Mixed Media – Combining materials and techniques to communicate ideas and create imaginative artwork.
Children also learn about significant artists, designers and craftspeople from different times, places and cultures.
By exploring and discussing their work, children develop an appreciation of different artistic styles and learn how art can communicate ideas, emotions and experiences.
Developing Artistic Skills
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children build on their knowledge and skills as they move through the school.
Children are encouraged to:
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Explore and experiment with different materials.
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Develop and practise artistic techniques.
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Use sketchbooks to record ideas, observations and experiments.
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Make thoughtful choices about their work.
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Reflect on their creations and identify ways to improve.
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Appreciate and respond respectfully to the artwork of others.
We value the creative process as well as the finished piece, recognising that experimenting, making mistakes and trying again are important parts of learning.
Design and Technology
Designing, Making and Solving Problems
Design and Technology gives children opportunities to use their creativity and practical skills to design and make products for a purpose.
Our curriculum encourages children to think about how things work, consider the needs of others and develop solutions to practical challenges.
Children learn to follow the design process:
Research and Explore → Design → Make → Evaluate
Through Design and Technology, children develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:
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Structures – Exploring how materials can be joined and strengthened to create stable structures.
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Mechanisms and Mechanical Systems – Understanding how movement can be created and controlled.
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Textiles – Developing skills in joining, shaping and combining fabrics.
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Electrical Systems – Exploring simple circuits and how electricity can be used within products, where appropriate to the age group.
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Food and Nutrition – Learning about ingredients, healthy eating, food preparation and basic cooking techniques.
Children are encouraged to think carefully about the purpose of their products, who they are designing for and how their designs can be improved.
Learning Through the Design Process
Throughout their DT learning, children develop the ability to:
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Investigate existing products and consider how they work.
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Generate and communicate design ideas.
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Select appropriate materials, tools and equipment.
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Learn and practise practical techniques.
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Make products safely and accurately.
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Test and evaluate their finished designs.
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Identify improvements and explain their choices.
As children progress through the school, they become increasingly independent and confident in applying their knowledge to more complex design challenges.
Creativity and Practical Learning at Winford
We recognise the importance of providing children with opportunities to learn through practical, hands-on experiences.
Our school environment offers opportunities to explore creativity and design beyond the classroom.
Outdoor learning, gardening, cooking and creative activities provide meaningful contexts in which children can develop practical skills, solve problems and work collaboratively.
Where appropriate, children are encouraged to make connections between Art, DT and other curriculum subjects, including science, history, geography and mathematics.
Supporting Every Learner
Art and Design and DT provide opportunities for children with different strengths and interests to experience success.
We encourage children to explore their ideas, develop confidence and take pride in their achievements.
Teaching is adapted where necessary to ensure all children can participate, while providing appropriate challenge for those ready to extend their skills and understanding.
We want children to feel confident expressing themselves creatively, experimenting with new techniques and approaching practical challenges with resilience.
How Parents Can Support Learning at Home
There are lots of enjoyable ways to encourage creativity and practical skills at home.
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Draw and create together – Encourage sketching, painting, model-making and experimenting with materials.
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Explore art – Visit galleries, look at artwork or talk about illustrations in books.
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Make and build – Use construction toys, recycled materials or everyday objects to create models and structures.
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Cook together – Involve children in preparing simple meals and learning about ingredients.
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Encourage problem-solving – Ask children how they might improve a design or make something work differently.
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Celebrate creativity – Show an interest in children's ideas and the process of making, rather than focusing only on the finished product.
Curriculum Information
Our Art and Design and Design and Technology curricula follow the requirements of the National Curriculum for England, with knowledge and skills developed progressively throughout the school.
Further information about what children learn in each year group can be found in our curriculum overviews.
View Year Group Curriculum Overviews
Design Technology Curriculum at Winford
Together we Flourish
Aspire • Belong • Care
Creating, exploring, designing and making with confidence.
