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. (NC2014)

   

Art is taught in three units blocks and children will be exposed to three strands in each school year. Art skills from the National Curriculum are divided between year bands. They are introduced progressively and children have the opportunities to revisit what they have learnt before.

Children learn to draw before they paint and then experience a broader modelling or craft based focus. Notable artists are introduced throughout the curriculum.

Vertical and horizontal links are embedded through the Art curriculum and children will build on knowledge and skills they have learnt in previous years.

A vertical link embeds learning in the same subject across year groups or units. For example, children in Year 6 working on ‘sculptures in clay and foil’ revisit prior knowledge from Year 5 when they produced figures using wire.

A horizontal link links learning in the same year group with another curriculum area. For example, Children in Year 2 learn about plants in Science and their drawing unit is drawing plants.

A diagonal link links learning in a different year group with another curriculum area. For example when crafting with mixed media in Year 3, children apply knowledge gained in their Y2 Science work on materials.

Planned links are documented on the Art road map.  

Chocolate chip events, the memorable in class learning opportunities enhance the curriculum offer.

In the EYFS, Art skills are taught under the Expressive Art and Design strand of learning. In Physical Development Children are introduced to a range of tools such as rolling pins, paint brushes, pencils, scissors and are given the opportunity to explore art throughout their continuous provision.

Art is covered in the topics ‘Where am I and Celebrations where children are given the opportunity to make Diwali lamps, create Chinese dragons and create a water colour African sunset.

In Key Stage One, children learn to draw people and plants. They paint in the style of the Pop artists and Henri Matisse. Children create clay models inspired by Henry Moore’s Out of the Block and Andrew Goldsworthy’s Iron Man and printing in the style of William Morris.

In Lower Key Stage Two, children learn to draw still life and portraits. They paint in the style of the impressionists and Van Gogh. Children produce a mixed-media project using textiles and digital technology.

In Upper Key Stage Two, children learn to draw landscapes and building. They paint in the style of the impressionists and Frida Kahlo. Pupils create sculpture using wire, foil and clay in the style of William Calder.

Art work is an important part of the calendars each child produces in December each year and the cards children produce to mark religious celebrations throughout the year.

Art sometimes features as a vehicle for expression during our termly Whole School Days or Junior Leader Days.

An Art Club is offered to allow keen artists opportunities to explore Art beyond the curriculum.

It is our intent that Art lessons are carefully sequenced to ensure all children, regardless of their natural talent for art, are able to progress and succeed. The most able artists are challenged with additional complexity of tasks. Many children on our EAL or SEND register find that because it is not reliant on language or writing, Art is a subject where they are able to access learning in line with their peers. To support children in receipt of pupil premium funding, we use strategies to improve the children’s experience such as targeted questions and support in class.

Grendon’s Goals of independence, resilience and communication are embedded in our Art teaching. Art promotes individuality and is our intent that children build the independence they need to succeed. Children are encouraged to work towards and develop the process of producing, evaluating and improving art work. This gives children a forum to use their growth mindsets and to develop their resilience. In Art, children develop communication skills as they are encouraged to discuss and evaluate their work with peers.

It is our intent that through Art learning, children demonstrate respect, tolerance and concern for others. This is especially true during evaluations where children learn about using supportive language, sharing feedback sensitively and celebrating others’ successes.

It is our intent that our Art teaching will prepare children for their futures. Learning about artists who form part of the UK’s cultural canvas provides children with the cultural capital they need as modern British Citizens.

It is our intent that our curriculum sets the foundations for pupils continuing with Art in their secondary schooling.

An interest in Art at primary school may lead children to pursue a career in design, teaching or as an artist, fashion designer, illustrator or cartoonist in the future.