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- work with local artists
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- large-scale colour mixing
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- art in the Outdoors
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- developing techniques using different tools
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- mixed-media portraiture
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- KS2 Art Days at Levens Hall
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- mosaics inspired by the Romans using everyday materials
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- working in clay
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- observation studies
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- developing skills
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- working collaboratively
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- Designing and making
Art Subject Overview
Intent
Our engaging and stimulating art and design curriculum aims to enable our pupils to explore their ideas, thoughts and observations in different ways. Above all, we strive to inspire personal expression; as well as creative and practical responses to real and imaginary worlds.
Through a wide range of opportunities, pupils learn how to work with a variety of materials, tools and techniques developing their knowledge and skills to interpret the world around them creatively. Pupils explore and discuss the work of artists and traditions from our own heritage, as well as inspiration from others around the world. In doing so, we learn to understand and appreciate our rich, cultural heritage; be inspired to enjoy and develop our own creations and techniques; and develop the use of a wide visual language to share our ideas and opinions with others.
Implementation
In Early Years, individual expression is a fundamental element of our daily provision. Children begin to learn how to manipulate simple tools effectively such as scissors, pencils, brushes; they might also use non-conventional objects to make marks, for example fingers, hands, cotton buds, mops and straws; as well as a range of different materials to make 3D models. Children are encouraged to create their own colours and explain how they have created them. Pupils begin to appreciate the work of famous artists such as Kandinsky; and are inspired to make their own creations using different resources including space, fireworks or music.
In Key Stage 1 and 2, pupils continue to explore different techniques and materials to design and make their own creations. They are taught about colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, space and form. From Year three onwards, children gather ideas, explore techniques and develop skills in their own sketch books. Pupils will also work over several lessons to develop their ideas and practise skills they have been taught in order to create final pieces.
In each year group, pupils study the work of at least two other artists, designers or sculptors from a range of different periods of time, cultures, traditions and movements. They discuss what they notice; what they like and dislike; they make connections and are very often inspired by what they see.
Our art curriculum is enriched with opportunities to learn from local practising artists on whole school collaborative projects as well as individual pieces; as well as a weekly art club that is led by a local artist and is offered to year groups throughout school.
Children's work is assessed regularly throughout the school year as they progress through the curriculum.
Impact
Pupils have positive experiences when working creatively and value their learning opportunities in art.
They are confident to experiment and explore different techniques and can recognise their own progress and development as they work through projects and reflect on work produced in their sketchbooks. Students can recognise and discuss the work of a number of different artists from our local area and further afield – both living and from history. Pupils can evaluate their own work and that of their peers using appropriate visual vocabulary; and they appreciate the therapeutic benefits of working creatively.
Pupils leave our school equipped with the required skills, knowledge and understanding to develop creatively; but most importantly – an enjoyment of art and design and a positive belief that they can achieve and develop as an artist!
Our pupils’ work is valued and celebrated throughout our school environment, in our local community and via our school website.