Artsmark at Haslam Park Primary School

Creativity, Culture and Confidence – Our Artsmark Journey 2025–2027

At Haslam Park Primary School, we believe that every child deserves access to a rich, ambitious and inspiring arts education.

The arts are an essential part of our curriculum and wider school life. They provide opportunities for children to express themselves, discover their talents, develop confidence and experience the joy of creativity.

Our Artsmark journey for 2025–2027 reflects our commitment to embedding high-quality arts and cultural experiences throughout our school.

Our approach embraces Art and Design, Music, Dance, Poetry, Drama, Storytelling and the Performing Arts.

Through these disciplines, pupils develop artistic knowledge and practical skills alongside creativity, communication, collaboration, independence and resilience.

We believe that the arts are not simply an additional experience. They are an important part of developing the whole child.

Our Artsmark Vision

Our ambition is to create a school culture in which creativity is valued, celebrated and accessible to all.

We want our pupils to experience the arts as artists, performers, creators, collaborators, critical thinkers and appreciative audiences.

Through our Artsmark journey, we aim to:

• Provide a broad, balanced and ambitious arts curriculum.

• Ensure that all pupils have meaningful opportunities to participate in arts and cultural experiences.

• Develop artistic knowledge and skills progressively throughout the school.

• Strengthen pupil confidence, independence, resilience and self-expression.

• Encourage pupil voice, creativity and leadership.

• Develop effective speaking, listening and performance skills.

• Celebrate different cultures, artistic traditions and forms of expression.

• Strengthen partnerships with families, artists, cultural organisations and the wider community.

• Support staff through professional development and collaborative practice.

• Provide opportunities for pupils to experience, create, perform, reflect and evaluate.

Our aim is to inspire children to recognise their own creative potential and develop the confidence to explore new ideas and opportunities.

Our Statement of Commitment – Three Key Priorities

At the beginning of our Artsmark journey, we prepared a Statement of Commitment outlining our existing provision, areas for development and ambitions for the future.

This provides a clear direction for our ongoing work.

We have identified three key priorities.

Priority 1 – Continuing Professional Development for Staff

We recognise that confident, knowledgeable and well-supported staff are essential to delivering high-quality arts education.

We are committed to developing staff subject knowledge, practical skills and confidence in teaching the arts.

Our professional development priorities include:

• Strengthening understanding of progression in artistic knowledge and skills.

• Supporting teachers in delivering creative and engaging lessons.

• Developing confidence in using a range of artistic techniques and materials.

• Sharing effective practice across the school.

• Encouraging connections between the arts and other curriculum areas.

• Supporting opportunities for reflection, evaluation and continuous improvement.

By investing in staff development, we aim to ensure that pupils benefit from a consistently high-quality arts education throughout their time at Haslam Park.

Priority 2 – Building Strong Partnerships

We recognise that partnerships can enrich children's learning and introduce them to experiences beyond their everyday environment.

We aim to strengthen relationships within school and with external organisations, creative professionals, families and community groups.

Partnerships can provide opportunities for pupils to learn from artists, musicians, performers and other creative professionals.

They also help children understand the value of the arts within their local community and wider society.

Our previous experiences, including engagement with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and visiting performers, provide a foundation upon which we can continue to build.

Priority 3 – Broadening Our Range of Arts and Cultural Opportunities

We are committed to ensuring that children experience a wide variety of creative activities throughout their primary education.

Our ambition is to provide opportunities that extend beyond classroom lessons and enable children to explore different interests and talents.

These include:

• Art clubs and enrichment activities.

• Poetry celebrations and performances.

• Music and dance experiences.

• Drama and storytelling.

• Cultural and festival days.

• Art competitions and exhibitions.

• Opportunities to engage with creative professionals.

• Family and community participation.

We want every pupil to have opportunities to participate, develop their skills and experience success.

[Insert a link to our full Artsmark Statement of Commitment here.]

Developing Our Art Curriculum – Kapow Primary

In January 2022, Haslam Park Primary School adopted the Kapow Primary Art and Design scheme.

This was an important step in strengthening our curriculum and supporting the development of pupils' artistic knowledge and skills.

The scheme was introduced to:

• Provide clear progression in artistic knowledge, understanding and techniques.

• Help address gaps in learning following the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Support regular art teaching and opportunities to revisit previous learning.

• Develop pupils' confidence in applying artistic skills independently.

• Provide professional development resources, including teacher demonstration videos.

• Strengthen staff subject knowledge and confidence.

Through a progressive curriculum, pupils are encouraged to explore different artists, techniques, materials and creative approaches.

They develop their ability to experiment, make decisions, refine their work and evaluate their achievements.

We are proud of the creativity demonstrated by our children and the range of artwork produced across the school.

The Arts and Personal Development

The arts play a valuable role in our wider personal development provision.

Creative experiences can help children develop confidence, resilience, independence and positive relationships.

They also provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to explore their emotions, communicate ideas and understand different perspectives.

Confidence and Self-Expression

Through art, poetry, drama, storytelling and performance, children develop confidence in expressing their ideas and sharing their achievements.

Resilience and Perseverance

Creative activities encourage pupils to practise techniques, learn from mistakes and refine their work.

Communication and Oracy

Poetry, drama, music and performance provide purposeful opportunities to develop speaking, listening and presentation skills.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Group projects and performances encourage children to listen, cooperate, share ideas and work towards common goals.

Cultural Awareness and Respect

Exploring artistic traditions and cultural celebrations helps pupils appreciate diversity and develop respect for different communities.

Emotional Wellbeing

Creative experiences provide opportunities for children to explore feelings, express themselves and experience enjoyment and achievement.

Independence and Leadership

Children develop responsibility through making artistic choices, sharing ideas, supporting others and contributing to creative activities.

These experiences help us develop confident, thoughtful and resilient young people who are prepared to participate positively in society.

Our Artsmark Journey in Action – 2025–2027

EYFS Storytelling Picnic – Bringing Stories to Life

Our Early Years children enjoyed a special outdoor storytelling picnic, combining imagination, language and the enjoyment of stories.

Miss Hampson and Mr Hesketh brought the story to life, creating a memorable shared experience for our youngest learners.

The children listened carefully, enjoyed the storytelling and experienced the excitement of stories in an outdoor setting.

This activity supported communication and language development, listening, attention, vocabulary, imagination and positive relationships.

It also helped nurture a love of storytelling and reading from an early age.

[Insert EYFS Storytelling Picnic photographs here.]

Poetry Week 2026 – Celebrating Language and Performance

Our children had a wonderful time celebrating Poetry Week 2026.

Building upon poems previously shared with parents and carers, pupils were given further opportunities to recite and perform poetry to different audiences.

Classes visited one another to share their favourite poems, creating a supportive environment in which children could develop confidence and celebrate their achievements.

Poetry Week provided opportunities for pupils to:

• Develop confidence in public speaking.

• Use expression, pace and intonation.

• Practise memory and recall.

• Listen respectfully to others.

• Explore language and meaning.

• Appreciate poetry as performers and audiences.

• Celebrate one another's achievements.

It was wonderful to see children supporting each other and taking pride in their performances.

[Insert photographs of pupils' poetry work and Poetry Week activities here.]

Voice 21 – Giving Every Child a Voice

At Haslam Park Primary School, we have adopted the Voice 21 approach to oracy.

We recognise that effective speaking and listening are essential to learning, personal development and future success.

The arts provide particularly valuable opportunities for children to develop their voices.

Through poetry, drama, storytelling, music and performance, pupils learn to communicate ideas clearly, listen actively, articulate their understanding and respond thoughtfully to others.

Our approach encourages children to develop:

• Clear and confident communication.

• Active listening.

• Appropriate vocabulary.

• Expression and performance techniques.

• Constructive feedback skills.

• Respect for different opinions.

• Confidence in collaborative discussion.

We want every child to understand that their voice matters.

Year 6 Poetry Week 2026 – Rehearsal, Reflection and Feedback

As part of Poetry Week 2026 and their Voice 21 learning, Year 6 pupils used an 'onion' planning activity to help them prepare and rehearse their poems.

The activity encouraged children to consider how they could improve their performance through careful practice and reflection.

Pupils then shared their poems and had opportunities to give and receive positive feedback.

This supported confidence, expression, constructive communication, resilience and self-evaluation.

Children also developed the important skill of recognising and celebrating the achievements of others.

These opportunities help prepare pupils for future situations in which they will need to communicate confidently, including their transition to secondary school.

[Insert Year 6 Poetry Week photographs here.]

Year 5 Careers Fair 2026 – Exploring Careers in Music

During our Careers Fair, Year 5 pupils had the opportunity to interview a music teacher.

Children asked thoughtful questions about the role, the skills required and what it is like to work in music education.

The experience introduced pupils to a possible career pathway within the creative industries.

It also supported aspiration, communication, curiosity and confidence in asking questions.

We believe that children should understand that their creative interests and talents can lead to exciting opportunities in the future.

[Insert Year 5 Careers Fair photographs here.]

Year 2 Stained Glass Artwork – October 2026

On 7 October 2026, Miss Birch's Year 2 class explored colour, shape, pattern and light through stained glass-inspired artwork.

Children experimented with different materials and techniques to produce their own creative designs.

This provided opportunities to develop fine motor skills, artistic decision-making, independence and pride in their work.

The activity also encouraged children to explore how artists use materials and visual effects to communicate ideas.

Our Creative Achievements – Building on Our Previous Artsmark Work

Our current Artsmark journey builds upon a strong history of creative and cultural opportunities at Haslam Park Primary School.

The following activities celebrate the experiences that have helped shape our approach to arts education over time.

Key Stage 1 Art Club – Developing Skills and Creativity

Our Key Stage 1 Art Club provided children with opportunities to explore a range of artistic techniques through a structured programme of practical activities.

Each week, pupils learned and applied different skills, developing confidence in using materials and expressing their ideas.

Week 1 – Watercolour Rain Clouds

Children explored watercolour blending to create cloud effects.

They used pipettes to add water droplets and fine brushes to introduce colour, developing control, coordination and an understanding of how water and paint interact.

Week 2 – Paint and Pastel Flowers

Pupils used pastels and chalk to create textured grass, experimenting with different shades of green to add depth.

They then used pom-poms and sponge dabbers to create flowers, exploring mark-making and painting techniques.

Week 3 – Abstract Salt and Watercolour Art

Inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock, children explored abstract art and experimental techniques.

They drizzled PVA glue, added salt and applied watercolour paints, observing how the colours spread through the materials.

This encouraged curiosity, experimentation and creative risk-taking.

Week 4 – Watercolour and Masking Tape

Children used masking tape to create geometric shapes and explored how masking techniques could produce defined lines and patterns.

This supported precision, spatial awareness and creative design.

Week 5 – Watercolour and Oil Pastel

Pupils investigated how oil pastels resist watercolour paint.

They created butterfly wing outlines using oil pastel before applying blended watercolours.

This encouraged children to combine techniques and apply their developing knowledge independently.

Year 2 Pop Art – Exploring Roy Lichtenstein

Year 2 explored Pop Art through a five-week project inspired by Roy Lichtenstein.

Children developed their understanding of artistic style, colour and visual communication while creating their own Pop Art-inspired pieces.

The project introduced pupils to the work of a recognised artist and encouraged them to explore how artistic techniques can create striking visual effects.

Daley Class – Printing Blocks and Geometric Patterns

Daley Class explored printmaking by creating printing blocks and producing geometric prints.

Children investigated shape, repetition and pattern while developing practical skills in design and printing.

The activity encouraged experimentation, careful planning and evaluation of finished work.

Mental Health Awareness – Support Balloons

During Mental Health Awareness activities, children created Support Balloon artwork.

This provided a creative opportunity to explore themes of wellbeing, kindness and supporting others.

The activity demonstrated how the arts can contribute to personal, social and emotional development by providing opportunities for children to express important messages visually.

Baby and Toddler Group – Early Mark-Making

Our Baby and Toddler Group provided opportunities to build relationships with families while introducing younger children to early creative experiences.

Mark-making activities supported the development of early communication, fine motor skills, curiosity and creativity.

These experiences also helped strengthen links between school and families, providing a welcoming introduction to creative learning.

The Pop Project – Music, Singing and Dance

In December, we welcomed the Pop Project to Haslam Park Primary School.

Children enjoyed participating in singing and dancing, experiencing the excitement of live musical engagement.

This provided opportunities for pupils to develop confidence, musical appreciation, rhythm and enjoyment of performance.

Remembrance Day – Art and Poetry

Our pupils have explored Remembrance through artwork and poetry, including activities in November

These experiences provided opportunities for children to reflect upon remembrance, history, sacrifice and respect.

Art and poetry enabled pupils to communicate their understanding through creative expression and thoughtful reflection.

Diwali Enrichment – Exploring Culture Through Creativity

Our school has celebrated Diwali through creative enrichment experiences.

Children explored aspects of the festival through artistic and cultural activities, including Rangoli patterns, Mehndi-inspired designs, diya lamps and Bollywood-style dance.

These experiences provided opportunities to develop cultural awareness, creativity and respect for different traditions.

Black History Month – Celebrating Creativity and Achievement

During Black History Month in October 2021, pupils produced creative artwork as part of our wider school activities.

These experiences provided opportunities to celebrate achievement, explore cultural identity and encourage respect for different experiences and contributions.

Art offered children another way to communicate their learning and understanding.

Eid Enrichment Day – May 2021

Our Eid Enrichment Day included creative activities that encouraged children to explore and appreciate aspects of the celebration.

Through art, pupils developed cultural understanding while expressing their learning creatively.

These opportunities support our commitment to providing an inclusive curriculum that celebrates diversity and encourages mutual respect.

Royal Mail Stamp Heroes Competition – May 2021

Pupils participated in the Royal Mail Stamp Heroes Competition, using their creativity to produce original designs.

The competition provided an opportunity for children to apply artistic skills to a real-world creative challenge.

It also encouraged imagination, independence and pride in presenting their work.

 

Nature-Themed Art Competition

Our Spring/Summer Nature-Themed Art Competition encouraged children to take inspiration from the natural world.

Pupils produced creative artwork that was celebrated through our school art gallery.

The competition provided opportunities for children to explore artistic techniques, express individual ideas and share their achievements with others.

Lockdown Recycling Challenges – Spring 2021

During the COVID-19 lockdown, children were invited to complete weekly creative challenges using everyday household and recyclable materials.

Pupils used items such as cardboard tubes, egg boxes, plastic bottles, foil and other available resources to create pictures and sculptures.

Children shared photographs of their creations, which were celebrated through our Art Curriculum webpage and online school assemblies.

These activities encouraged creativity, resourcefulness, independence and resilience during a challenging period.

They also demonstrated that meaningful artistic experiences can be created using simple, accessible materials.

Winter Art Competition

Our Winter Art Competition provided opportunities for children to express their creativity through seasonal artwork.

We were delighted by the variety of entries and the imagination demonstrated by our pupils.

Children's work was displayed and celebrated, recognising their effort, artistic skills and individuality.

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra – Inspiring Musical Curiosity

On 17 and 19 November 2020, some of our pupils had the opportunity to participate in a virtual session with Lily Whitehurst, a violinist from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Children listened to a live violin performance and asked questions about music and life as a professional musician.

This experience introduced pupils to professional orchestral music and provided an opportunity to engage directly with a musician.

It helped broaden pupils' understanding of musical performance and the opportunities available within the creative arts.

The experience also demonstrated how partnerships with cultural organisations can enrich children's education.

Cultural Capital – Broadening Horizons and Raising Aspirations

At Haslam Park Primary School, we believe that all children should have opportunities to experience and appreciate the arts.

Through performances, competitions, visiting artists, creative clubs, cultural celebrations and curriculum activities, we aim to broaden pupils' experiences and introduce them to new possibilities.

Our arts provision supports children in developing an understanding of different artistic styles, cultures and traditions.

It also helps pupils recognise that creative skills can be valuable throughout their lives, whether as a personal interest, a form of expression or a future career.

We are committed to ensuring that these opportunities are inclusive and accessible.

Pupil Voice and Creative Leadership

We want children to be active participants in our Artsmark journey.

Pupil voice is important in helping us understand which creative experiences children enjoy, what they have learned and how they would like our arts provision to develop.

Through our activities, we aim to provide opportunities for pupils to:

• Make creative decisions.

• Share ideas and opinions.

• Take responsibility within collaborative projects.

• Support and encourage others.

• Reflect upon their learning.

• Evaluate their own work and the work of others.

• Celebrate achievements and contribute to displays and performances.

As our Artsmark journey develops, we aim to strengthen opportunities for pupils to influence and help shape creative experiences across the school.

Inclusion and Equality of Opportunity

We believe that the arts should be accessible to every child, regardless of background, ability or individual need.

Creative experiences can provide different ways for children to demonstrate understanding, communicate ideas and experience success.

Our ambition is to ensure that pupils have opportunities to participate in meaningful artistic activities that recognise their individual strengths and encourage confidence.

Through a broad range of experiences, we aim to help children discover talents and interests that they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to explore.

Looking Ahead – Our Artsmark Journey 2025–2027

Our Artsmark journey provides an opportunity to celebrate what we already do well while identifying how we can strengthen our provision further.

We will continue to focus on our three priorities:

1. Staff Development: Strengthening subject knowledge, confidence and the quality of arts teaching.

2. Partnerships: Developing meaningful relationships with families, creative professionals and cultural organisations.

3. Range of Offer: Broadening opportunities for pupils to experience, participate in and lead arts and cultural activities.

We will continue to celebrate pupils' achievements and reflect upon how our arts provision supports their learning, personal development and cultural experiences.

Our Creative Vision

At Haslam Park Primary School, we believe that creativity helps children find their voices, develop confidence, discover their talents and understand the world around them.

Our Artsmark journey is about more than achieving an award. It is about developing a lasting culture in which the arts are valued, opportunities are inclusive and every child's creativity is recognised.

Creativity for everyone. Confidence for life. Opportunities without limits.

Find Out More

To learn more about the Artsmark programme, visit:

https://www.artsmark.org.uk/