Jump to content

Sub-Navigation

Key stages 1 and 2

Art and design: Key stages 1 and 2 - Statutory requirements


Art and design is a national curriculum foundation subject at key stages 1 and 2. The links above contain details of curriculum requirements, exemplification and other resources.

Key stages 1 and 2 statutory requirements

At key stages 1 and 2 it is a requirement that children follow the national curriculum for art and design. Art and design statutory order information is available on the National curriculum online website and requires that teachers:

  • teach the full programmes of study for art and design
  • respond to the statutory requirements for ICT in art and design (available on the National curriculum in action website)
  • report progress in the subject each year.

In planning, it is advisory that teachers refer to the 'importance statement' for art and design.

Back to top

Key stages 1 and 2 schemes of work

The QCA/DfES schemes of work for key stages 1 and 2 art and design illustrate how the national curriculum requirements can be translated into practical plans.

The schemes of work can be ordered from QCA Orderline, order reference number QCA/00/439. The units are also available on DfES Standards site.

Adapting units

It is essential that schools consider the needs of their pupils and respond to their own strengths in planning schemes of work. DfES Standards site contains examples of how schools have adapted the schemes of work to do this, for example:

  • adapted unit 2a 'Picture this!'
  • adapted unit 4a 'Viewpoints'.
Combining units

Combined units - units where more than one area of the curriculum is explored through a common theme – can be an alternative model for managing curriculum time.

The 'Examples of combined units' page contains 'A seat for someone special', a sample combined unit where a school has combined the design and technology unit 3d 'Photograph frames' with the art and design unit 4b 'Take a seat' to produce a new unit.

Back to top

Key stages 1 and 2 exemplification

Numerous examples of children's work in art and design at key stages 1 and 2 can be viewed on the National curriculum in action website. Each entry features commentary on the activity and details of its links with the non-statutory guidelines.

The easiest way to find examples is via the 'Search for pupils' work' tab at the top of the screen. You can then search by key stage and refine your search using a variety of options.

Back to top

Key stages 1 and 2 resources

Materials for primary teachers to use with parents can be found on the Discover website. There are guides on:

  • creative design (key stage 1)
  • portraits (key stage 2).

Parents can find a guide to art and design in the national curriculum on the ParentsCentre Learning journey website.

Back to top

Foundation stage

The foundation stage is a distinct phase of education for children aged 3 to 5. There are six statutory areas of learning required by the national curriculum at foundation stage:

  • personal, social and emotional development
  • communication, language and literacy
  • mathematical development
  • knowledge and understanding of the world
  • physical development
  • creative development.

Several of these can be met through art and design teaching.

Further details regarding foundation stage legislation, curriculum and guidance are available on the 'Foundation stage 3-5' pages.

Back to top

Back to top