Creative Arts & Wellbeing · Curriculum documents
Curriculum overview
Exploring Emotions Through Art
Curriculum note
Evolution Education uses creative activity as a structured approach to emotional expression, self-awareness and personal development.
This curriculum is presented as Creative Arts & Wellbeing. It should not be described as clinical art therapy unless delivered by an appropriately qualified practitioner within the relevant professional framework.
Why this unit matters
Creative activity can provide students with a safe and structured way to recognise, express and reflect on emotions.
Students develop emotional vocabulary, self-awareness, communication, reflection, emotional regulation strategies, confidence and positive identity. The unit progresses from recognising emotions to expressing them, identifying calming strategies, exploring strong feelings and developing a personal emotional toolkit.
End points
Students will know
- a wider range of emotional vocabulary;
- examples of positive and difficult emotions;
- common emotional triggers;
- strategies that may support calm and wellbeing.
Students will understand
- emotions can be communicated in different ways;
- people may experience and express emotions differently;
- creative activity can support reflection and self-expression.
Students will be able to
- use colour, texture and imagery to represent feelings;
- use visual metaphor;
- communicate ideas through creative work;
- identify personal calming strategies;
- reflect on creative choices;
- create a personal emotional toolkit.
Curriculum progression
| Week | Focus | Developing challenge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naming emotions | Build emotional vocabulary |
| 2 | Colours and feelings | Represent emotions visually |
| 3 | Safe and calm spaces | Identify personal regulation strategies |
| 4 | Big feelings | Explore strong emotions safely |
| 5 | Emotion characters | Externalise and communicate feelings |
| 6 | Joy and positivity | Recognise and strengthen positive emotions |
| 7 | My emotional toolkit | Consolidate learning and identify personal strategies |
Assessment
Assessment may include teacher observation, questioning, supported discussion, creative artwork, learner choice, vocabulary checks, reflection, student voice and the final emotional toolkit. Assessment focuses on development and application rather than artistic ability.
SEND and adaptive teaching
Possible adjustments include visual prompts, emotion cards, modelling, structured choices, reduced written demands, additional processing time, alternative communication methods, sensory adjustments, quiet working spaces, supported reflection and choice not to disclose personal experiences.
Students should never be pressured to disclose personal or traumatic experiences as part of a creative activity.
Safeguarding and wellbeing
Creative activities may sometimes lead students to communicate information about their wellbeing or safety. Where a student makes a safeguarding disclosure or indicates that they or another person may be at risk, staff must follow Evolution Education safeguarding procedures. Creative work must never replace safeguarding reporting.
Progression
This unit contributes to PSHE, personal development, emotional literacy, communication, self-regulation, confidence, relationships and preparation for future learning and life.
Curriculum content is adapted to learner need. Creative activity is educational and developmental. Safeguarding concerns are always managed through Evolution Education's safeguarding procedures.