Art and Design Curriculum

‘Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.’ (National Curriculum, 2014)

Aims

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:

- produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences

- become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques

- evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design

- know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Curriculum Intent

At St. Martin’s C of E (VA) Primary School, we value Art and Design as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Art and Design provides children with the opportunities to develop and extend skills, alongside the opportunity to express individual interests, thoughts and ideas. Art and Design in our school gives children the opportunity to explore the world around them, to collaborate, be creative and express themselves in a variety of ways in order to be ‘the best that they can be.’ The intent provides opportunities for children with SEND, ensuring success and enjoyment for all. Direct handling and manipulation of materials build on a child's natural interest in shape, colour, rhythm and movement and can lead naturally into developing skills and confidence.

Curriculum Implementation

The teaching of Art and Design at St. Martin’s C of E (VA) Primary School, is based on the expectations of the National Curriculum and is linked to topics and themes to ensure a well-structured and meaningful approach.

Children learn not only the skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design, but also learn about famous and inspiring artists, sculptors and designers. Children are exposed to the use of a range of different mediums such as paint, clay, fabric etc. We encourage the children to look at their own work and the work of others and discuss their thoughts and ideas.

Curriculum Impact

Throughout the children’s journey at St. Martin’s, we want all pupils to have learned, improved and embedded a range of artistic skills. They should have an awareness of a broad range of artists and craftspeople, and be able to consider and discuss the artworks they come across. We want our pupils to be confident to explore, experiment and take risks, placing value on the process and journey that they take, not just on the finished product. Most importantly, we want children to have found and enjoyed a creative outlet – a means of self-expression and enjoyment.

Art and Design Subject Lead: Mrs E. Bosomworth