Curriculum Intent

All pupils have the opportunity to explore, experiment, learn new skills and express themselves. The art and design education at our school ensures pupils know that there are no barriers to being an artist and provides the foundations for a lifetime of enjoyment and confidence in this subject. Pupils have the opportunity to use their imagination, develop their ideas and record their experiences in a variety of ways. Children become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting, as well as other selected craft skills, e.g. collage and printing. This repertoire of technical skills and techniques are continuously extended year on year. Pupils are also offered the opportunity to ask questions, evaluate different creative ideas and explore the work of others including developing their knowledge of famous artists, designers and craft makers. The lessons also offer the chance for children to develop their emotional expression through art to further enhance their personal, social and emotional development.

Curriculum Implementation

We have developed a curriculum map and skills progression document ensuring pupils are continuously learning new skills and techniques and building on their learning each year. Children are taught skills, elements of art and design and about the work of artists and are able to apply this learning using a range of media. Children are set creative tasks linked to the half termly topic which they can access and complete at their own level. Under skillful guidance, clear explanations, modelling and scaffolding of learning, children become successful, happy learners. Dialogue between pupils and teachers forms a vital part of the learning journey. During careful questioning children are encouraged to discuss their ideas, choices and next steps. Across all areas of the school children are able to access art resources within continuous provision in both our inside and outdoor learning areas. This ensures children can embed their learning at their own pace and have a wide range of opportunities throughout the week to use their imaginations and be creative.

In KS1 each half term children take part in a WOW day. On these days children undertake a range of creative activities linked to their topic where they are taught new skills and embed previously taught techniques. Within our weekly woodland sessions children also have the opportunity to explore art and design using natural materials. In addition, the school holds a Creative Arts Week every 3 years, providing a focused week of creative activity and learning. It is important to our school to liaise with local professional artists and organisations, for example, during previous Creative Arts Weeks we have held workshops run by local professional illustrators and the University of Creative Arts.

Curriculum Impact

Teachers use a clear progression of skills to ensure children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. Activities are differentiated by outcome and every child can access and complete all creative tasks set at their own level of ability. We encourage the children to talk - in pairs, small groups or through class discussion, to share ideas, experiences or suggestions, and comments are noted. Children’s artwork is celebrated and displayed in classrooms and around the school. Sketchbooks, proud books and continuous provision folders reflect their artistic journey alongside photographic evidence. Summative assessments and termly formative assessments are recorded on Tapestry. In EYFS children are identified as working below expected or expected level and KS1 children are identified as working below, at a satisfactory standard, good standard or beyond the expected level for each objective. Monitoring includes work scrutiny, learning walks and pupil interviews. This information is then used to inform further curriculum developments and provision is adapted accordingly.