At BSB Sanlitun, we believe that every child is an artist in their own way. Art is not simply about painting pretty pictures or making crafts - it’s about developing creativity, critical thinking, confidence, and self-expression. This is why we place great importance on teaching Art as an explicit lesson every week, ensuring that children are given the time, space, and guidance to develop artistic skills in a structured and meaningful way.
In weekly Art lessons, pupils are introduced to key techniques such as drawing, colour mixing, printing, collage, and sculpture. They learn how to use a range of materials and tools safely and effectively, while also developing an understanding of artistic concepts like line, tone, pattern, and composition. These skills form the building blocks of visual literacy - the ability to interpret, create, and communicate ideas through imagery, just as we do with words and numbers.
Beyond technical skills, Art lessons allow children to explore their individuality. Through creative projects, they learn to make choices, take risks, and problem-solve independently - vital habits for learning across all subjects. A child who experiments with blending colours or shaping clay is also learning perseverance, focus, and resilience. They see that mistakes can lead to discovery, and that there is no single “right answer” in creativity.
Art also plays a key role in emotional development. It offers children a way to express feelings they might not yet have the words for, helping them build confidence and emotional intelligence. In our classrooms, you’ll often find children proudly discussing their artistic decisions, reflecting on how their work makes them feel, and celebrating the efforts of their peers. These moments foster empathy, collaboration, and self-esteem.
Another rich aspect of our Art curriculum is the opportunity to study the styles and stories of famous artists, illustrators, and designers from around the world. Children explore how artists like Van Gogh, Yayoi Kusama, and Quentin Blake used art to share ideas and emotions. They learn that art connects people across cultures and generations - and that their own creations have value and meaning too.
By making Art a regular, explicit part of the timetable, we ensure that creativity isn’t an afterthought. It’s an essential part of a balanced education. Weekly lessons give every child - not just those who feel “good at art” - the chance to develop skills step by step, take pride in their progress, and see themselves as capable creators.
At BSB Sanlitun, we know that the habits of curiosity, creativity, and reflection nurtured in Art lessons benefit children in all areas of learning and in life beyond school. By valuing Art as much as literacy and numeracy, we are helping to raise confident, imaginative thinkers who can look at the world with both skill and wonder.
By Emily Kingett
Upper Primary Leader, Year 5 Walruses Class Teacher
