The Arts at Queen's Park

At Queen’s Park Primary School, we believe that art is a powerful means of personal expression and creative communication. Our vision for art education is rooted in the belief that every child is an artist, capable of using visual language to make sense of the world around them, express their thoughts and emotions, and celebrate their own identity and culture.

We aim to deliver a rich and engaging art curriculum that aligns with the National Curriculum and reflects our school’s core drivers: Belonging, Pathways to Success, Power of Literacy, Oracy, and Irresistibility. Through a diverse and inclusive range of topics, artists, and media, children are encouraged to explore who they are, where they come from, and how art connects us across time and cultures. Art becomes a place where children feel a strong sense of belonging, as their individual backgrounds and experiences are acknowledged and valued.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to develop children’s skills and knowledge in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art. These skills are built progressively over time, giving pupils the tools they need to express their ideas with increasing confidence, creativity, and control. In doing so, we open up pathways to success—not only in art, but in wider academic and personal development. Art supports problem-solving, risk-taking, and reflective thinking—skills that are transferable across all areas of learning and life.

Art at Queen’s Park also harnesses the power of literacy. Through studying the stories behind artworks, artists, and movements, pupils are introduced to rich cultural and historical contexts. They learn to make connections between what they see and what they know, deepening their understanding of the world. Oracy is woven throughout our approach to teaching art, with pupils encouraged to talk about their work and the work of others using precise vocabulary. Through discussion, critique, and collaborative reflection, children learn to communicate their intentions and respond thoughtfully to visual experiences.

We are committed to making art irresistible. Lessons are hands-on, stimulating, and varied—designed to spark curiosity and a sense of joy in the creative process. Children have opportunities to experiment, invent and take creative risks in a safe and supportive environment. They work both independently and collaboratively, exploring materials, techniques and themes that are relevant and meaningful to them.

We also ensure a clear progression in opportunities for our children to represent Queen’s Park through the arts. This includes film-making and a red-carpet premiere at the Odeon, supported by Silverbox Kids; Let’s Play as part of the National Theatre programme, culminating in a live performance at the theatre; Year 4’s dance performance at the Dome in front of a live audience; and Year 3’s participation in the Children’s Parade—an exciting highlight of Brighton’s annual cultural calendar. These experiences help children see the authentic power of art to communicate, connect, and contribute to their community.

Ultimately, our aim is for every child to develop not only technical skill and artistic confidence, but also a genuine appreciation for the role that art plays in their lives and in the wider world. Through a vibrant and inclusive art education, we nurture children’s imagination, build their self-esteem, and inspire a lifelong love of creativity.