Guiding primary art skills

This printable PDF document outlines the progression of art skills and knowledge in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 and how it aligns with the National curriculum. For primary teachers looking for an engaging Art and design scheme of work, our progression of skills and knowledge helps deliver a comprehensive Art and design curriculum. 

How can I use this document to plan my art curriculum with Kapow?

Our Art and design scheme of work follows a structured spiral curriculum. This document is a valuable tool for primary art planning, enabling you to see how skills and knowledge build upon each other from year to year. 

The document supports subject leaders and teachers when planning the art curriculum by outlining the progression of skills throughout KS1 and KS2 and showing which lessons support that progression. Use it during your planning process to ensure each year group builds on the previous one, with clear guidance on which lessons to focus on at each stage.

How does Art and design knowledge develop at Kapow Primary?

This document outlines the development of Art and design knowledge across all year groups, ensuring a clear pathway for pupil learning. Progression is broken down into four key areas:

• Drawing: from basic mark-making to detailed observational drawing.
• Painting and mixed media: exploring colour mixing, brush techniques and various painting styles.
• Sculpture and 3D: building spatial awareness and creating three-dimensional forms.
• Craft and design: developing practical skills and understanding design principles.
• Formal elements of art: understanding line, shape, colour, texture and form.

What other Kapow Primary resources support primary art teaching?

• For our revised, standard Art and design scheme, see Art and design: Long-term plan.
• If you follow our Long-term plan - condensed, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge - condensed.
• If you subscribe to both subjects and follow our alternating Art and D&T long-term plan, see the corresponding Art and D&T: Progression of skills and knowledge.
• If you follow our Long-term plan - mixed-age, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge - mixed-age version.

• See how children begin their Kapow creative journey with our EYFS (Reception) Art and design units. 
• Browse our Key stage 1, Lower Key stage 2, Upper Key stage 2 and Mixed-age units to learn how children develop their skills in Kapow’s Art and design scheme.