Art & Design

At Kells Lane, we believe that every child is an artist. Art gives children a unique and powerful way to express themselves, make sense of the world and connect with the thoughts, feelings and experiences of others — across history, cultures and communities. Our Art curriculum is built on the AccessArt framework, a carefully sequenced, progressive programme that runs from Early Years through to Year 6 and places creativity, experimentation and artistic thinking at the centre of every lesson. Structured around a task design approach, AccessArt guides children progressively through the artistic process — building technical skill, creative confidence and the ability to think and work like a real artist.

Art sits at the heart of our Culture curriculum driver, helping children explore and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of human creativity across time, place and tradition. We want every child to leave Kells Lane knowing that they have something remarkable to express — and Art is one of the most powerful ways they can do exactly that.

Children at Kells Lane work with a wide range of materials and media — drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and mixed media — experimenting with techniques, making creative choices and developing their own artistic voice over time. Sketchbooks are central to our approach, giving children a personal space to develop ideas, record observations, explore materials and reflect on their work as it grows. Each unit of work links carefully to prior learning, ensuring that children revisit and refine their skills rather than starting from scratch each time — building the kind of deep, secure artistic knowledge that lasts.

Through AccessArt, children also study artists, designers and makers from a wide range of time periods, cultures and traditions — from historical masters to contemporary practitioners — developing a genuine appreciation for the richness and diversity of artistic expression around the world. Where possible, we make meaningful connections with local artists and our Gateshead community, helping children see that art is a living, evolving discipline happening right on their doorstep. We are committed to ensuring every child can access and thrive in Art — with carefully scaffolded support for those who find it challenging and extended creative opportunities for those ready to go further.

Early Years- Remarkable Foundations in Art & Design

Art Curriculum Yearly Overview

Art Subject on a Page