Art
Intent
In Art and Design topics, we aim to provide children with innovative and creative lessons that provide many opportunities to learn new skills. As a school, we believe that both children and adults learn new things every day, building upon and retaining their existing knowledge. In Art and Design topics, we aim for children to develop and extend their artistic skills and give them the opportunity to express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas.
We maintain that learning should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone, and that it should be fun and memorable. Through delivering coherently planned and sequenced, high quality learning opportunities we endeavour to equip children with the Art and Design knowledge and skills that encourage the children to experiment and create their own pieces of art. The aim of our whole curriculum is to develop independence, creativity, resilience and teamwork.
Since autumn 2023 we have been using the AccessArt Primary Curriculum, which as well as developing technical skills will nurture creative thinking skills and ensure pupils learn through art as well as about art. It aims to ensure all pupils leave primary school having found an area of visual arts that is relevant and engaging to them – that might be through drawing, or making, or designing or talking about art. It also offers excellent CDP opportunities so that teachers can feel confident and happy with the art lessons they are delivering.
Implementation
Art and Design is taught regularly. During half terms when D.T. is being taught instead of Art, skills are still being developed through short burst drawing activities in sketch books. In addition to the AccessArt Curriculum, some art activities linking to seasonal topics are delivered. Work is evidenced in sketchbooks and in display areas in the classrooms, hall and walkways. An annual whole school Art Week is held, including an exhibition for parents and the wider school community. As part of trips and enrichment activities, teachers plan visits to galleries and in-school workshops from artists. Links with St Peter’s Church in Bishop’s Hull allow for artwork to be displayed in the local community. In September 2023 all staff involved in art lessons were given sketch books to use when demonstrating techniques to children and supporting their learning. Floor books were also distributed which will contain photographs of displays and individual artworks. The purpose of this is so that teachers and pupils can refer to prior learning as cohorts progress through the school.
Impact
The Art Lead will assess the impact of teaching and learning through learning walks, book looks and discussion with teachers, pupils and other stakeholders such as parents and governors.
Evidence:
Progress and process is documented in sketchbooks and displays of work
Reflective practise – revisiting sketchbooks
Pupils self and peer assess
What can the pupils articulate/demonstrate, their knowledge of artists, skills and techniques as well as their general enjoyment of the subject
Teachers’ formative and summative assessment
Quality and range of display outcomes (artwork)
Positive feedback from the school community about work – parent feedback
Pupil voice – feedback from children about their experience
Teacher confidence – subject knowledge and enjoyment of subject
Effective partnership working with artists and arts organisations.