Art Curriculum Statement

Intent

We value Art and Design as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Art and Design provides the children with an opportunity to express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas. We believe that a high-quality art and design education will engage, inspire and challenge our pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.

They should also know how Art and Design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. We teach our Art curriculum through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which provides the framework for a range of hands-on authentic and engaging opportunities based on child-led inquiry which will stimulate their curiosity to further inquire about the world around them and a life-long appreciation of Art and Design.

We use the National Curriculum for Art and Design which aims to ensure that all pupils produce creative work, become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques, evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design and know about great artists, craft makers and designers.

Implementation

The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and linked to our inquiries to ensure a well-structured approach to this creative subject. We use talk to promote discussion, evaluation and enquiry around different artists and techniques. We also give children opportunities to ask their own questions. 

In Early Years, pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. Pupils explore, use and refine a variety of artistic effects to express themselves. They have opportunities to explore the textures, movement, feel and look of different media and materials. They use different media and materials to express their own ideas and explore colour and use it for a particular purpose. Children develop skills to use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.

In KS1, pupils are taught to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products. They use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination. Pupils develop a wide range of Art and Design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space. In addition they learn about the work of a range of artists, describing the differences and similarities between different practises and disciplines, and making links to their own work. 

In KS2, pupils are taught to develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design. Pupils are taught to improve their mastery of Art and Design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials [for example, pencil, charcoal, paint, clay]. They learn about great artists, architects and designers in history. Teachers use Foundation Assessment Sheets to record children’s progression of skills in Art.

Impact

Teachers use assessment information to inform future lessons; ensuring children are supported and challenged appropriately. This data is analysed on a termly basis to inform and address any trends or gaps in attainment. Children in Foundation Stage are assessed within Expressive Arts and Design and their progress is tracked termly using the Foundation Subject Assessment system. Age related expectation levels are reported to parents at the end of the Reception year. 

Resources

Resources are kept in the art cupboard and returned there when not in use.  Resource cupboard is kept tidy so that resources are easily accessible.  Teachers are asked to inform the art leader if there are any specific resources that are needed and that cannot be found in the art cupboard.  The Art leader will replenish resources as and when they are needed.  The Art leader will keep up to date with new curriculum developments and relay them to staff when needed.