How do you help every child see themselves as an artist? At Holy Trinity Church of England Primary Academy in Handsworth, a recent curriculum project set out to do just that, enriching creative opportunities, developing pupils’ artistic knowledge and skills, and raising the quality of outcomes for all learners.
Art that reflects the world around us
Recognising the need to move beyond a traditionally Eurocentric art curriculum, the school introduced pupils to a broader range of artists, cultures and artistic traditions.
From Birmingham-born artist Hurvin Anderson to Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu, pupils explored different perspectives and discovered new ways of seeing the world. They also connected with practising artists, including a virtual studio visit with Oliver Enwonwu, son of Ben Enwonwu.
Through drawing, painting and mixed media, pupils developed their skills, experimented with techniques and created their own artwork.
Inspiring curiosity and confidence
The project has sparked enthusiasm for art and design across year groups. Pupils have been researching artists independently, creating artwork at home and sharing their discoveries in class.
Seeing artists whose backgrounds reflected their own helped pupils feel a stronger connection to the subject, while exploring different cultures broadened their understanding of the world. Connecting with practising artists also helped bring the art world to life, allowing pupils to see creativity as a potential pathway for their futures.
Celebrating creativity across BDMAT
We are delighted to see pupils at Holy Trinity growing in confidence, developing their creative skills and discovering new ways to connect with art and the world around them.
The school’s work is a great example of how thoughtful curriculum development and community partnerships can enrich learning and help pupils develop the skills, curiosity and confidence to thrive.
Read the full case study: Mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors: Reimagining a primary art and design curriculum