Art

Our Art curriculum provides a source of inspiration, enjoyment and fulfilment as part of our broad and balanced curriculum. Art is an essential means of creative expression that can boost self-esteem and give learners the agency needed to develop and communicate their personal ideas, observations, and creations. It gives the opportunity for pupils to express themselves, their emotions and thoughts, use their imagination, experiment and develop creativity. 

Art Curriculum Intent

In terms of DELIVERING EQUITY, we envisage by the end of Year 6 that our pupils will be instilled with the cultural confidence and entitlement to visit real art galleries and be empowered to respond to what they see, feel and think using their artistic vocabulary and knowledge to express their personal response. 

Progressive layering of knowledge, embedded in long-term memory, scaffolds pupils to:

Plan and practise ideas in different ways
Select materials that are suitable for the style of art
Learn from pupils’ own and other artists ‘work to make improvements
Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
Know about great artists and craft makers
Explore a wide range of processes, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, collage and textiles

Conceptual Understanding – occurs when new information and ideas are incorporated into pupils’ existing knowledge framework and includes:

Developing an appreciation of artists and their artwork
Identifying similarities and differences between artists and artwork
Knowing about great artists, craft makers and designers and understanding the historical and cultural development of their art forms
Developing a good understanding and ability to use a range of art forms and materials
Nurturing a genuine interest in the subject and an ability to evaluate their own and others’ artwork
Gaining confidence to use materials and develop skills over time

Art Curriculum Implementation

To achieve our intent, our Art curriculum will provide the following:

A progressive, sequential journey of knowledge, skills and concepts from EYFS to Year 6, encompassing the depth and breadth of the art curriculum
Opportunities to address cultural capital disadvantage
A focus on subject specific vocabulary to equip pupils with the language to express their knowledge of art with precision and confidence
Explicit links with high quality examples, worked models and artefacts which provide contextual links and reinforce knowledge
Key outcomes, described as ‘sticky knowledge,’ which form the foundation of prior and subsequent learning
Higher order, subject-specific questions to assess knowledge and understanding
Enhanced learning through memorable experiences and visiting experts
Adaptable approaches that enable all pupils opportunities to explore art and experience success
Pre-teaching of vocabulary relating to art for pupils with additional needs
Learning opportunities that encourage pupils to develop a genuine interest in and appreciation for other’s artwork, including historical and contemporary artists and art from different cultures and civilisations

Art Curriculum Impact

Pupils will have an awareness of a broad range of artists, their significance and legacy
They will be confident to explore, experiment, take risks and place value on the process and journey undertaken, not just the finished product
Pupils will experience and explore a creative outlet and learn to appreciate art as a means of self-expression and enjoyment
They will be involved in discussions about their learning: which includes discussion of their thoughts, ideas, processing and evaluations of work
Pupils will develop a deeper appreciation and value of the art around them