Intent

At LAPW, we believe that art is a powerful and essential form of expression, inquiry, and communication that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the world around us.

We will develop children’s understanding of the elements and principles of art (e.g., line, shape, color, texture, form, space, pattern, balance) and how these can be used to create meaning and communicate ideas. We will nurture children’s creativity and imagination by providing opportunities for open-ended exploration, experimentation with diverse materials and techniques, and the development of their unique artistic voice. We aim to encourage children to express their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives through various art forms, fostering self-awareness and emotional literacy and cultivate children’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they make choices, reflect on their work, and respond to the art of others. We will promote an appreciation for diverse cultures and art traditions by exploring art from different times, places, and communities, fostering intercultural understanding and respect. We endeavour to develop children’s inquiry skills by encouraging them to ask questions, research, and explore different artistic approaches and techniques and foster a sense of joy and wonder in the creative process, encouraging lifelong engagement with the arts. We will regularly provide opportunities for children to share their artwork with a variety of audiences, building confidence and celebrating their achievements.

By fostering a supportive and stimulating environment for artistic exploration, we aim to empower our children to become confident, creative, and expressive individuals who can appreciate, understand, and contribute to the rich tapestry of the arts.

Implementation

At LAPW, we believe that art is a fundamental and integral part of a child's holistic development. Through engaging with various art forms, materials, and techniques, children develop their creativity, critical thinking, communication, and self-expression. Aligned with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) philosophy, our art program fosters inquiry, encourages risk-taking, celebrates individuality, and promotes an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. We aim to empower children to become confident and imaginative individuals who can understand, interpret, and respond to the world around them through artistic lenses.

The purpose of our art program is to provide opportunities for children to explore their ideas, experiment with different media, and generate original and innovative artwork. We will enable children to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and understandings through visual and tactile means. We will encourage children to observe, analyse, interpret, and evaluate art, as well as to overcome challenges and find solutions during the creative process. We will develop children’s ability to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and cultural significance of art from various times and places. We will introduce children to a range of art techniques, materials, and processes, fostering their practical abilities and understanding of artistic elements and principles. Integrating art with other subject areas within the transdisciplinary themes of the PYP, enriches learning experiences and provides different perspectives. We will encourage children to ask questions, explore ideas, and take ownership of their learning in art and expose them to art from different cultures and historical periods, fostering respect and appreciation for global perspectives.

Art will be meaningfully integrated into the six transdisciplinary themes of the PYP, providing authentic contexts for exploration and expression. Children will be encouraged to explore concepts, ask questions, and develop their own lines of inquiry within art. A wide range of materials and techniques will be explored, including drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media. Instruction and activities will be adapted to meet the diverse learning needs and interests of all children. Children will be presented with open-ended tasks that allow for individual interpretation and creative solutions. Emphasis will be placed on the learning process, experimentation, and reflection, rather than solely on the final product. Children will be invited to reflect on their learning, processes, and artwork, and to develop self-assessment skills. Teachers will act as facilitators, guiding and supporting children’s exploration and discovery in art. Opportunities for collaborative art projects and peer feedback will be provided. Children will be exposed to the work of various artists from different cultures and historical periods, broadening their understanding of art. Appropriate technology will be integrated to enhance learning, explore digital art forms, and research artists and art movements.

Assessment will be ongoing and varied, including observation, work in sketch books, children’s self-reflections, peer feedback, and teacher-child conferencing. Assessment will focus on the development of skills, understanding of concepts, and the learning process. The classroom will be a stimulating and supportive environment that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and creativity. Adequate resources, including a variety of art materials and tools, will be provided to support the implementation of the program. Teachers will be provided with ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance their art teaching skills and knowledge of the PYP framework. Parents/carers will be informed about the art program and encouraged to support their child's artistic development. Opportunities for sharing children’s artwork will be provided.

This implementation statement will be reviewed and evaluated regularly to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the evolving needs of our children and the PYP framework. Feedback from children, teachers, and parents/carers will be considered in the ongoing development of the art program.

This statement provides a framework for the delivery of a rich and meaningful art program that empowers our children to become creative, expressive, and critically engaged learners within the context of the PYP.

Impact

Art is not merely a subject; it is a vibrant and integral thread woven through the fabric of our Primary Years Programme (PYP). Through purposeful and engaging artistic experiences, we witness a profound and multifaceted impact on our children, fostering their holistic development and nurturing their growth as internationally-minded learners.

Art provides a safe and stimulating space for children to explore, experiment, and express their unique ideas. They learn to think divergently, generate novel solutions, and embrace risk-taking, essential skills that extend far beyond the art room. Engaging with different art forms allows children to explore and communicate a wide range of emotions. Creating and responding to art helps them develop empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives. From manipulating clay and wielding paintbrushes to engaging in dramatic play and movement, art activities contribute significantly to the development of both fine and gross motor skills, enhancing coordination and dexterity. The process of creating, sharing, and celebrating their artistic endeavors empowers children, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting their self-confidence. Positive feedback and opportunities for exhibition build a strong sense of self-worth.

Art naturally encourages curiosity and exploration. Children ask questions, investigate materials and techniques, and develop their own lines of inquiry, aligning directly with the PYP attitude of curiosity. Art provides diverse avenues for communication, both visual and expressive. Children learn to articulate their ideas, feelings, and understandings through various art forms, developing their communication skills in meaningful contexts. Engaging in artistic processes requires children to analyse, synthesise, evaluate, and reflect. They learn to make choices, solve problems creatively, and critically assess their own work and the work of others. Many art activities foster collaboration and teamwork. Children learn to share ideas, negotiate roles, and work together to achieve a common artistic goal, developing essential social skills. Exploring art from different cultures and time periods broadens children’s understanding of diverse perspectives and fosters an appreciation for the richness and variety of human expression, contributing to their development as internationally-minded individuals.

Art in our PYP primary academy is a powerful catalyst for learning and growth. It nurtures creativity, develops essential skills and attitudes, and provides meaningful connections to the transdisciplinary themes. The impact of art extends beyond the classroom, fostering confident, expressive, and internationally-minded individuals who are equipped to engage with the world in meaningful and imaginative ways. We are committed to continuing to provide rich and diverse artistic experiences that empower our children to become lifelong learners and creative thinkers.

What we do at LAPW...

We provide a stimulating environment where children develop their skills and express themselves through a wide range of artistic mediums. Central to our approach is the use of dedicated sketchbooks, which serve as invaluable tools for children to record observations, experiment with ideas, develop techniques, and reflect on their creative journeys, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic processes. Our learning sometimes takes place in a dedicated Art Room, fully equipped with a wealth of resources, ensuring that children have access to the materials and tools necessary to explore their imagination without limitation. Furthermore, our curriculum benefits from the expertise of Trust curriculum advisors, who provide ongoing guidance and support to ensure our art provision is not only rich and engaging but also ambitious and meticulously planned to meet and exceed national standards, preparing our young artists for future creative exploration.

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