Our Art & Design Curriculum:
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”
Georgia O’Keeffe
Why teach Art and Design?
Art and Design is a vital and integral part of every child’s education. Our curriculum is engaging and enriched with activities and opportunities to inspire children to explore their own personal development in creativity and develop an open mindedness that will help them to uncover their gifts and talents and a love of the arts.
A broad and balanced curriculum equips them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design and helps a child’s personal development through self-reflection, resilience and perseverance to produce the best outcomes that they can. It helps children to communicate and express themselves in a non-verbal way while promoting engagement. We are aware that participating in the arts contributes to a child’s mental health and well-being and so all children have the opportunity to be creative freely to express themselves.
We understand that art makes the world accessible. From inclusion and diversity to exploring and celebrating similarities and differences between peoples, places and cultures and this is something children explore through a range of artists from all around the world and from a range of backgrounds, cultures and heritage.
How we teach Art and Design
Our curriculum provides a clear and comprehensive scheme of work that will show progression of skills across Reception and Key Stage 1 within the strands of Art and Design. Within the curriculum, our pupils are introduced to a wide and diverse range of artists, designers and craft makers, including those famous locally, nationally and internationally.
During each unit of work a final piece of artwork is produced to be displayed and/or shared. Pupils are encouraged to use their imaginations and use a wide variety of media, developing an awareness of colour, texture, design and dimension.
Enrichment opportunities are provided throughout and beyond our art and design curriculum for all pupils. These include art club, working with artists in school opportunities to visit galleries and have our art work displayed in galleries.
What your child will learn
- How to draw, paint, sculpt and explore other art, craft and design techniques.
- Handling, moving and control skills by accessing materials which allows them to explore their ideas and be imaginative.
- Develop their knowledge of the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers.
- Develop their skills by using a range of different materials.
- Learn about the key concepts of line, shape, form, space, colour and texture.
Artsmark
As a Silver Award Artsmark school, we recognise the importance of the arts. We strive to achieve arts excellence for all children through a curriculum which creates authentic opportunities that excite, engage and inspire all learners. Our aim is to ensure positive and inclusive experiences for all and we do this through actively involving children in practical and meaningful arts provision.
Art Club
During Art Club, we focus on developing our skills and techniques, while also taking the time to appreciate and understand the work of other artists. We have the chance to connect and collaborate with artists and schools from all across the city.
Examples of Sketchbook Work
Examples of Learning
