Diversity and Inclusion in our Art curriculum
The Primary Art curriculum at Alver Valley Schools places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every child sees the richness of different cultures, histories and perspectives reflected in the artists they study. By exploring global artists such as Henri Rousseau, John Muafangejo and Yayoi Kusama, pupils experience a wide range of artistic traditions—from Rousseau’s imaginative jungles to Muafangejo’s powerful lino prints and Kusama’s bold, immersive patterns. This variety helps children appreciate that art is created by people from all backgrounds and encourages them to value difference, creativity and individual expression.
Equally important is the inclusion of British artists who offer contemporary and locally relevant insights. Artists such as Molly Mahon, with her vibrant block-printing, and Rachel Evans, known for her expressive mixed-media work, help pupils connect artistic ideas to the world around them and see how creativity thrives within their own culture. By balancing global and British influences, the curriculum ensures that all pupils recognise themselves and others in the artwork they encounter, fostering a sense of belonging, respect and curiosity across the school community.
Diversity & Inclusion in our History Curriculum
Every aspect of the curriculum has been carefully considered to meet the needs of pupils and to celebrate the wide variety of experience that the children bring to our school. The books that are used have been carefully selected to ensure that the children are represented and, their history is honoured in a respectful and unbiased way.
We are mindful of the images we represent as we teach a diverse range of historical moments across both schools, from exploring and comparing toys from different countries and time periods, to the challenging work of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, in the Crimean War, who both experienced different prejudices in the time they lived, due to their colour, class and gender.
Children learn about the lives and experiences of a cross section of society in different time periods, from Romans and Vikings to Ancient Greeks , exploring how different perceptions affected how people were treated, as well as their influence on how we live today. We look at what is happening across the world during the same time period to give us a global perspective exploring ancient civilisations, like Maya. We draw on the experiences of the children as much as possible, to make it relevant to them, using an inclusive approach. We explore tricky ideas in a respectful and courteous way so the children can learn ‘to disagree agreeably.’ Children are taught to consider different perspectives using primary sources but showing awareness of bias in their approach. They compare the heroic efforts, and the devastation of World War One through a ‘philosophy for children approach’.