Art & Design
At Heath Hayes Primary Academy, we nurture creativity and self-expression through a progressive and engaging Art and Design curriculum. From Early Years through to Key Stage 2, our pupils build a solid foundation of artistic skills, learning to express themselves with increasing confidence and precision. Each year group follows a carefully structured set of skills lessons, where they explore new techniques, materials, and a growing art vocabulary. These lessons tie into the children’s adventures, further expanding their understanding of Art and Design in the world. As children move up the school, their knowledge of a wide range of artists and artistic styles expands, helping them to analyse and reflect on their own artwork with a critical eye.
Our approach ensures that all children develop the fundamental skills necessary to improve their abilities, producing work that is thoughtfully presented in their personal Art and Design books and showcased in our Learning Hub. This journey of artistic exploration not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of art, helping them become well-rounded, reflective, and confident young artists.
Art & Design Journey at Heath Hayes Academy
Design & Technology
At Heath Hayes Primary Academy, we inspire innovation, problem-solving, and practical creativity through a dynamic and progressive Design and Technology curriculum. From Early Years to Key Stage 2, our pupils develop essential skills in designing, making, and evaluating, while learning to work confidently with a range of tools, materials, and techniques.
Each year group follows a carefully structured sequence of learning, with blocked units that focus on skill progression and mastery, leading to a final project. These adventures are designed to build technical knowledge and hands-on skills, encouraging children to think critically and work collaboratively.
Throughout each unit, children are taught to:
- Investigate and explore existing products and their purposes.
- Develop design criteria based on user needs and functionality.
- Plan and communicate ideas using drawings, models, and digital tools.
- Select and use tools and materials appropriately and safely.
- Evaluate their work and the work of others, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Each project culminates in a final piece, where children apply their learning to create purposeful and functional products. These outcomes are often linked to wider curriculum themes or real-world challenges, helping pupils see the relevance of Design and Technology in everyday life.
As children progress through the school, they become increasingly independent and reflective designers, equipped with the skills and confidence to tackle creative challenges with imagination and resilience.