Curriculum Framework: Visual Arts in Primary School (Years KG 1–6)

Dubai International Academy – PYP Visual Arts

At Dubai International Academy, our Visual Arts curriculum in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) supports students as they learn to express ideas, explore techniques, and engage with art as a form of personal and cultural communication. Through a concept-driven, inquiry-based approach, students build technical skills, develop creative confidence, and make meaningful connections across disciplines. Art experiences are integrated with the Units of Inquiry, allowing students to explore transdisciplinary themes and develop Approaches to Learning (ATL) such as self-management, reflection, and creative thinking. The Visual Arts curriculum is structured around two interrelated strands: Creating and Responding. In the Creating strand, students explore materials, develop techniques, and express ideas through imaginative and purposeful artmaking. In the Responding strand, they observe and interpret artworks, reflect on their process, and make connections to other cultures, ideas, and their own experiences. These strands are not taught in isolation but are interwoven through each unit, allowing students to understand visual art as both a mode of communication and a way of making meaning. Throughout the primary years, students are introduced to diverse art forms from cultures around the world and study the work of both historical and contemporary artists. This global perspective not only deepens their appreciation of artistic styles and traditions but also fosters empathy, open-mindedness, and international mindedness. Learning about global artists and cultural art forms helps students understand that art is a universal language that reflects identity, beliefs, and community. It broadens their creative lens, challenges stereotypes, and enhances their ability to see and interpret the world through multiple viewpoints — a vital skill in today’s interconnected world. The Magic of Art in KG1 and KG2 In KG1 and KG2, art is a magical journey where imagination comes to life! Children explore colours, textures, and shapes through painting, drawing, cutting, sticking, and molding with their hands. Whether they’re creating jungle collages, finger-painting fireworks, or building with recycled materials, every art session is filled with excitement and discovery. Art doesn’t just live in the art area—it wraps and weaves into every part of the Early Years curriculum. From decorating letter shapes in phonics, to designing number creatures in math, to drawing maps and symbols during Units of Inquiry, creativity is at the heart of everything we do. Through art, children express their ideas, build confidence, and make meaningful connections in fun, hands-on ways. It’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about learning, exploring, and growing through creativity. Year 1 – Exploring Tools and Expressing Ideas In their first year of Visual Arts, students are introduced to a wide variety of tools and materials through play and imaginative exploration. They begin to identify basic elements of art such as line, shape, and colour. Students enjoy expressing stories and emotions visually, and they experiment freely with collage, stamping, and brushwork. With some guidance they start learning how to handle materials responsibly and to describe what they’ve done. New and developing skills include:

• Painting with simple brush strokes and tools

• Basic colour mixing

• Drawing with lines and shapes from imagination

• Stamping to create patterns

• Combining materials to create textured collages

• Exploring symmetry by folding paint on paper

• Cutting and pasting shapes to create abstract forms

Year 2 – Building Confidence and Experimentation Students continue developing their skills and confidence in using a range of media, working with greater control and intention. They begin to connect the creative process to real-life experiences and ideas. In drawing and painting, they apply simple design choices, and in collage, they think about texture and focus. Students become more independent in using tools and are encouraged to reflect on their choices during the art-making process. Key creative skills explored include:

• Improved brush control and colour mixing

• Drawing complex forms using basic shapes

• Exploring monoprints and layering colours

• Creating collages using three or more materials

• Using texture rubbing to explore surface patterns

• Creating patterns through simple repetition

Year 3 – Investigating Elements and Cultural Art In Year 3, students explore how visual elements like colour, shape, and space help to communicate meaning. They are introduced to foreground and background and begin to discuss composition and contrast. Cultural art connections are explored through examples of patterns, symbols, and styles from around the world. Students engage in group discussions about artistic choices and describe the techniques they use. Skills progression includes:

• Using warm, cool, and neutral colours intentionally

• Drawing with geometric and organic shapes

• Creating depth by comparing foreground and background

• Exploring stencil printing

• Building texture in collage with natural and recycled materials

• Overlapping shapes to suggest depth

Year 4 – Creating with Purpose and Observation Students develop a more purposeful approach to artmaking in Year 4. They refine their observation skills, work with new tools (such as pastels and charcoal), and begin using sketching and planning as part of the creative process. They explore different ways of composing artworks and discuss how artists use texture, space, and symbols. Art vocabulary becomes more familiar as students describe their own and others' work. Developing skills include:

• Watercolour painting and mixing for specific effects

• Drawing with charcoal, pencil, and pastel to create contrast and texture

• Creating monoprints from simple plates

• Combining materials in concept-based mixed-media art

• Recognizing and using positive and negative space

• Using thumbnail sketches to plan artworks

Year 5 – Independent Expression and Cultural Perspectives By Year 5, students work more independently and explore how art can reflect beliefs, identity, and culture. They are encouraged to research, experiment, and evaluate their process as they create. Colour theory is expanded to include value and mood, and students apply symbolic meaning to materials, techniques, and styles. They begin to explore emotional responses and consider how art affects both the artist and the viewer. Key artistic skills include:

• Using value and tone in painting to show light and emotion

• Observational drawing of still life with pattern and detail

• Combining printmaking with other techniques

• Designing mixed-media work inspired by cultural themes

• Creating monochromatic artworks using a single colour and its tints/shades

• Creating texture using tools such as combs, wire, mesh and scratching techniques

Year 6 – Conceptual Thinking, Visual Communication, and the PYP Exhibition In their final PYP year, students are encouraged to make art that communicates complex ideas. They work with increased independence, planning and executing work that shows perspective, emotion, and symbolism. They refine their drawing and painting techniques and reflect critically on their choices. Digital tools may be used in the planning or enhancement of their artworks, and students engage in discussions about how art shapes cultural and social perspectives. As part of the PYP Exhibition, students often use Visual Arts to support their inquiry, visually communicate their central ideas, and express their personal understanding of global or local issues. This gives them the opportunity to apply their creative skills in meaningful, real-world contexts and to showcase their learning journey through the arts. Advanced skills include:

• Identifying and applying value in watercolour

• Using scale, placement, and colour intensity to create perspective

• Expressive printmaking using varied mark-making techniques

• Designing mixed media works with symbolic content

• Incorporating visual metaphor and narrative

• Using basic digital tools to plan or enhance artwork

Transition to MYP: Readiness for Year 7 Visual Arts By the end of Year 6, students are confident creators, curious observers, and reflective thinkers. They understand how to use visual language to communicate, how to make artistic decisions with purpose, and how to discuss and evaluate the meaning of art in their lives and across cultures. These skills form a strong foundation for the MYP Visual Arts programme, where students build on their understanding through conceptual inquiry, intercultural exploration, and personal expression.

Curriculum Framework: Visual Arts in Secondary School

At Dubai International Academy, our Visual Arts curriculum in Secondary School empowers students to explore, create, and reflect through meaningful artistic experiences. Grounded in the IB Middle Years Programme, the curriculum is concept-driven and inquiry-based, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness.

Year 7

Students are introduced to the foundational elements and principles of art. They explore how different cultures express ideas visually and begin developing observational, technical, and reflective skills.

Year 8

Building on their foundational skills, students examine how art can represent identity and environment. They engage in more complex media and techniques while learning to analyze and interpret visual language.

Year 9

Students expand their ability to communicate ideas through personal and abstract themes. They explore contemporary issues and refine their creative process through guided experimentation and independent decision-making.

Year 10

Learners begin to take more ownership of their artistic journeys. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal style, exploring thematic depth, and preparing artworks for presentation and critique. Digital and traditional methods are explored.

Year 11

Students work towards their IB ePortfolio. They reflect critically on their process, research global influences, and prepare for formal assessment through sustained, self-directed inquiry.

Year 12 and 13

Our DP programme encourages students to develop multiple skills as they create their coursework submission for the IBDP Visual Arts curriculum. Students get mentored on how best to create their portfolios to align to their university choices and career pathways.

Exhibitions and Display

At Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, we believe in celebrating the artistic voices of our students through meaningful exhibition opportunities and public showcases. Across all school levels, students are encouraged to share their creative journeys with the wider community.

Our annual PYP Art Exhibition highlights the creativity and imagination of our youngest artists, while the MYP ePortfolio Exhibition provides a platform for middle years students to present their developmental work and growing confidence as visual communicators. At the senior level, the DP Year 13 Art Exhibition serves as a capstone experience—an opportunity for students to exhibit their curated bodies of work in a professional setting, reflecting on themes of personal, cultural, and global significance.

Beyond the classroom, DIAEH proudly takes part in the Innoventures Art Competition and Exhibition, showcasing student talent alongside peers from across the UAE. Student artwork is regularly featured throughout the school environment, in our weekly newsletter, and on our dedicated @diadubaiarts social media account, creating a vibrant and visible culture of artistic appreciation.

In addition, students take initiative through our student-led Abstract Art Club, which fosters collaboration and leadership in the arts. In 2024, the club hosted its first independently organized exhibition, "Voices of the UAE," celebrating diverse identities and perspectives within the school and local community.

These exhibitions are not just about displaying finished work—they are about honoring process, voice, and the power of art to connect, challenge, and inspire.