Art

Learn about Northshore Primary School’s Art programme and how students develop creativity, visual literacy and self-expression through inquiry, hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

Last updated 20 August 2026

Art

Art @ Northshore Primary School

Art Education in primary school aims to allow every student to enjoy art, communicate visually and make meaning through connecting with society and culture. It provides a platform for all students to use Art as a medium to learn about oneself and the world.

Circular art education diagram with colorful sections labeled Artist, Artistic Processes, Media, Context, Audience, Visual Qualities, and Art at center.

The art syllabus framework emphasises three significant concepts which are: art helps us see in new ways, art tells stories about our world, and art influences how we live. These big ideas are further explored through three learning domains: see, express, and appreciate. By engaging in these learning domains, students develop key competencies, including observe-inquire, create-innovate, and connect-respond. The competencies are then broken down into learning outcomes, which are organised based on students’ cognitive and artistic development. By repeatedly discussing and exploring these big ideas, students gain an understanding of the value of art and develop skills, knowledge, and values that help them become active artists and informed audiences.

In Northshore Primary School, the art curriculum structures cognitive, psychomotor and affective development of our students through the five processes of Art Inquiry:

Connect & Wonder
Students investigate what inspires them, what they are curious about and what they want to express through their artwork. It requires them to connect with their emotions, experiences, and the world around them and wonder about the possibilities. Students are encouraged explore their creativity, experiment with different mediums and techniques so as to develop their own unique artistic voice.

Young students in uniforms sit at green desks with yellow chairs, watching a colorful projected artwork on a screen.

Investigate / Play
Students explore different materials, techniques, and processes to discover new possibilities and push creative boundaries. Students are encouraged to approach the creative process with a sense of curiosity and playfulness as well as to embrace a willingness to take risks and explore new possibilities.

A young child in a school uniform draws pencil scribbles on white paper at a teal desk.

Make
By exploring different techniques and experimenting with different materials to create art, students can discover new ways of expressing their ideas and bring their creative vision to life. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their artistic learning and develop a sense of confidence in their ability to create meaningful artwork.

Four school children in uniforms draw intricate Zentangle patterns on large white sheets at a blue table.

Express
Students can gain a deeper understanding of their artistic intent and develop their ability to communicate their ideas visually. Students are encouraged to be intentional about the message they want to convey through their artwork as well as to consider the best way to showcase their work to their intended audience.

A child with glasses tears green paper at a yellow desk covered with colorful paper scraps and a filled bottle.

A young student in a school uniform works on a laptop using Canva to create surreal artwork.

Reflect
Students critically evaluate their own artwork and learning process. They also consider how well they are learning and how they can apply what they have learned to their next artwork. In doing so, students can identify areas for improvement, celebrate their successes and develop a deeper understanding of their own artistic practice. Students are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning, to be self-aware and reflective as well as to continually strive to improve their skills and abilities.

Key Programmes

Museum Based Learning in National Gallery Singapore

As a core component of the MOE Art syllabus, the Museum Based Learning experience utilises the museum’s role as a custodian of culture and heritage to provide an authentic context for studying art. These experiences helped students understand how artworks tell stories and convey lessons regarding the diverse narratives of Singapore and the region. By participating as both artists and audience members, students developed a deeper appreciation for art and gained insights that will inform and inspire their own creative artmaking in future lessons.

Students in blue uniforms sit on a gallery floor during a museum visit, and a group works on a craft activity.