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The AccessArt Split Primary Art Curriculum has been devised for schools who currently teach art half the time (usually splitting the timetable with DT).
Please note that AccessArt provides only the Art element, not the DT element.
We recommend that when you are teaching DT, you put in place a practice of drawing exercises, even if it is just ten minutes, once or twice a week. Explore some drawing exercises you can use here.
See other versions of the AccessArt Primary Curriculum here.
If you have any queries pls email info@accessart.org.uk
Areas of Focus: Each pathway is bordered by a colour. These colours correspond to the area of focus of that pathway.
Drawing & Sketchbooks
Surface & Colour
Working in Three Dimensions
Year 1
Using drawing, collage and mark-making to explore spirals. Introducing sketchbooks. See the Pathway
Explore simple ways to make a print. Use line, shape, colour and texture to explore pattern, sequencing and symmetry. See the Pathway
Or...
Exploring watercolour and discovering we can use accidental marks to help us make art. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how artists make art inspired by flora and fauna. Make collages of MiniBeasts and display as a shared artwork. See the Pathway
summer term
Exploring materials and intention through a playful approach. See the Pathway
Or...
Sculptural project beginning with making drawings from observation, exploring media, and transforming the drawings from 2D to 3D to make a bird. See the Pathway
During "non-art" half Terms
We recommend teachers continue with simple drawing exercises through the half terms when you are focussing on DT. Even 2 x 10 minutes a week will help ensure the continuation of sketchbook and drawing skill development. Find exercises here
Year 2
Introducing the idea that artists can be collectors & explorers as they develop drawing and composition skills. See the Pathway
Using a simple mono print technique to develop drawing skills, encourage experimentation and ownership. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how painters sometimes use paint in an expressive and gestural way. Explore colour mixing and experimental mark-making to create abstract still lifes. See the Pathway
Exploring architecture and creating architectural models. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how you can transform a familiar object into new and fun forms. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how we can make art inspired by the sounds we hear. See the Pathway
During "non-art" half Terms
We recommend teachers continue with simple drawing exercises through the half terms when you are focussing on DT. Even 2 x 10 minutes a week will help ensure the continuation of sketchbook and drawing skill development. Find exercises here
Year 3
Making loose, gestural drawings with charcoal, and exploring drama and performance. See the Pathway
“Painting with Scissors”: Collage and stencil in response to looking at artwork. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how artists combine media to create work in response to landscape. Use acrylic and thread to make a painted and stitched piece. See the Pathway
Explore how artists are inspired by other art forms – in this case how we make sculpture inspired by literature and film. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how to create simple moving drawings by making paper “puppets” and animate them using tablets. See the Pathway
During "non-art" half Terms
We recommend teachers continue with simple drawing exercises through the half terms when you are focussing on DT. Even 2 x 10 minutes a week will help ensure the continuation of sketchbook and drawing skill development. Find exercises here
Year 4
Explore how artists create sequenced drawings to share and tell stories. Create accordian books or comic strips to retell poetry or prose through drawing. See the Pathway
Exploring how we can use colour, line and shape to create patterns, including repeating patterns. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore artists working with the genre of still life, contemporary and more traditional. Create your own still life inspired art work. See the Pathway
Explore how the way we display our work can affect the way it is seen. See the Pathway
Or...
What can artists learn from nature? See the Pathway
Or...
How might we use food and art to bring us together? See the Pathway
During "non-art" half Terms
We recommend teachers continue with simple drawing exercises through the half terms when you are focussing on DT. Even 2 x 10 minutes a week will help ensure the continuation of sketchbook and drawing skill development. Find exercises here
Year 5
Exploring how we can create typography through drawing and design, and use our skills to create personal and highly visual maps. See the Pathway
Combine the monotype process with painting and collage to make visual poetry zines. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how artists use a variety of media to capture spirit of the place. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore contemporary fashion designers and create your own 2D or 3D fashion design working to a brief. See the Pathway
Explore creating a model set for theatre or animation inspired by poetry, prose, film or music. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore the responsibilities architects have to design us a better world. Make your own architectural model. See the Pathway
During "non-art" half Terms
We recommend teachers continue with simple drawing exercises through the half terms when you are focussing on DT. Even 2 x 10 minutes a week will help ensure the continuation of sketchbook and drawing skill development. Find exercises here
Year 6
Explore how 2D drawings can be transformed to 3D objects. Work towards a sculptural outcome or a graphic design outcome. See the Pathway
Explore how artists use their skills to speak on behalf of communities. Make art about things you care about. See the Pathway
Or...
Discover how artists use layers and juxtaposition to create artwork which explores identity. Make your own layered portrait. See the Pathway
Exploring how artists
use light, form and colour to create immersive environments. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how craftspeople and designers bring personality to their work. See the Pathway
Or...
Explore how traditional and contemporary artists use cutouts and shadow puppets. See the Pathway
During "non-art" half Terms
We recommend teachers continue with simple drawing exercises through the half terms when you are focussing on DT. Even 2 x 10 minutes a week will help ensure the continuation of sketchbook and drawing skill development. Find exercises here
We have developed additional pathways to help you extend, develop or further personalise the AccessArt Primary Art Curriculum.
Are You Using AccessArt Resources in Your School or Community Setting?
Put Yourself on Our Map
The AccessArt PRimary Art Curriculum Survey Report 2023
AccessArt Survey For Primary Schools 2024
