Art at Uplands Junior Academy is taught progressively across Key Stage 2, with each year group exploring different disciplines and artists while following a clear sequence of learning steps. Step 1 begins with observational drawing, where pupils revisit prior knowledge and develop confidence using pencil to create black-and-white sketches. Step 2 introduces new techniques and styles, encouraging children to experiment with different forms of drawing and mark-making. In Step 3, pupils study the work of significant artists, creating double-page spreads that interpret and replicate their styles using appropriate media. Step 4 focuses on colour theory and application, enabling children to make informed choices about colour in their own work. Finally, Step 5 brings everything together in a finished outcome that showcases their creativity and technical skill.
Across the year groups, this progression is applied to a variety of units. In Year 3, pupils explore printing techniques inspired by Bushman art, learning about patterns and positive/negative spaces. Year 4 focuses on drawing through Paul Klee’s imaginative cityscapes, developing perspective and composition. Year 5 studies Van Gogh’s expressive style, refining understanding of scale, texture, and mood, while Year 6 moves into sculpture, creating wire and clay figures influenced by Henry Moore. Additional units include painting, collage, and mixed media, where children investigate artists such as Gustav Klimt, Kara Walker, and Banksy. Enrichment opportunities such as gallery visits, graffiti walks, and hands-on workshops deepen cultural appreciation and connect classroom learning to the wider world. By the end of Year 6, every child has developed a rich portfolio that reflects their creativity, technical skill, and personal voice.
Parent support:
We encourage parents and carers to explore Leicester’s vibrant art scene together. Many venues offer free admission, making them ideal for family outings and extending classroom learning at home.
Website: https://www.leicestermuseums.org/leicester-museum-art-gallery/
Website: https://attenborougharts.com/
Website: https://www.phoenix.org.uk/art-at-phoenix/
These visits are a wonderful way to connect with your child’s classroom art, explore new styles and media, and spark conversations around creativity without spending a penny!
In year 6 we focus on graffiti art and the children have the opportunity to visit the graffiti exhibition at Leicester musems & Gallery – Graffwerk and MBD presented an exciting and immersive journey into the world of graffiti art. Using large scale projections and in-depth interviews, this beautifully animated exhibition uncovers fascinating stories from some of the most high-profile graffiti writers of today.
They also have been focusing on the work of Banksy and the meaning behind his pieces. We spoke about how graffiti artists create work to send strong and powerful messages that may be of conflict. In our topic unit we focused on human rights and the children used their knowledge to create a final piece in the style of Banksy related to social justice and human rights.
They walk around Leicester town centre and looked at the graffiti. Artists from all over the world come together to showcase an impressive wealth of talent which goes on to serve as inspiration for further artistic activities within the city of Leicester. A platform of creative collaboration on a monumental scale Bring the Paint delivered beyond expectations.
Year 5 use view finders to sketch the nature around them.
Year 3 create their own clay dragon eye inspired by their spring term book ‘The Boy Who Grew Dragons’ by Andy Shepherd. They practice joining pieces of clay using scoring and slip, explored the effects different utensils had on the clay, then designed and created their own unique dragon eye.
They even received a personal video message from Andy Shepherd on Twitter, who was in such awe of the eyes.
