Art
Subject Leader: Mrs A Plumbley
‘There are two distinct languages. There is the verbal, which separates people…and there is the visual which is understood by everybody’
Yaacov Agam
‘Art is too important not to share’
Romero Britto
Intent
In EYFS, children begin their creative journey. They are immersed in the 3 art threads: painting, drawing and 3D, through teacher modelling, and self-exploration. Teachers scaffold learning opportunities around the 4 concepts: appreciation, control and accuracy, developing ideas and innovation, providing a strong foundation for future learning.
As they move into Key Stage 1, they further build on their knowledge of the 3 art thread and concepts. Their skills are developed through adult scaffolding and their own explorations. Children begin to use sketchbooks to record their work and are encouraged to make choices. They are introduced to a range of artists and craft makers and explore their work as a starting point for their own.
Lower KS2 aims to further deepen their understanding and proficiency of the threads and concepts. They become more able to use techniques efficiently, effectively and independently. As their skills develop their sketchbooks become their creative spaces. They begin to explore their ideas and experiment with techniques. They gain a better understanding and use of the elements of art. Children develop their knowledge of artists, architects and craft makers both historical and modern. They use their work as a starting point for their own ideas and share their thoughts and feelings about the work of others.
As we move in to upper Key Stage 2, children become proficient in all 3 threads and confidently work through the 4 concepts. They take ownership for their ideas and develop their artwork; drawing on their knowledge of artists, architects and craft makers. They share their ideas and opinions freely. They use their sketchbooks effectively to tell the story of their creative process. They adapt and evaluate as they create and are not afraid to make changes. They use all the elements of art to create art work that has meaning, depth and richness.
Implementation
Our curriculum lenses and big questions are key to the development of the child as an artist. They pose poignant questions and give direction to all elements of the teaching and learning process. As children progress from EYFS through to UKS2 children twist the threads, concepts and experiences from their art lessons into a thick thread. Through the lenses and big questions this thread is weaved together with all other subjects threads to create a rich tapestry of knowledge and experiences.
For example within the thread 3D children in KS1 begin by creating simple 3D forms from playdough, further developing their skills through junk modeling. As they progress into lower KS2 they begin to refine their sculpting with clay and refine their skills to create moving sculptors. By upper KS2 children further build on their previous learning, creating balancing structures and adding articulation, they work collaboratively, and at scale.
Lenses: Action & Consequence, Change & Continuity, Significance, Similarities & Differences, Environmental & Sustainable Citizenships, Spirituality
Threads: painting, drawing and 3D
Concepts: Appreciation, control and accuracy, developing ideas and innovation.
Children explore one of the three threads each term. Within each thread they focus on the 4 concepts:
*Appreciation – exploring the work of artists, developing opinions, understanding the messages
*Control and accuracy – developing and refining skills
*Developing ideas – thinking, analysing, evaluating, experimenting
*Innovation – creating and sharing.
Impact
Curriculum for L.I.F.E
Love of Learning
Children know the value and impact of Art and Design in their own world, across time, and throughout history.
They develop a genuine curiosity about the role of art in society and across cultures.
Pupils revisit skills and concepts over time, recognising their own progress and taking pride in their achievements.
Children grow to enjoy experimenting with materials, techniques, and ideas, building a lifelong appreciation for creativity.
Inspire
Children are encouraged to use technical vocabulary accurately, enabling them to confidently discuss, critique, and celebrate artistic processes.
They learn to ask questions, explore possibilities, and show inquisitiveness about the world around them.
Pupils gain confidence in expressing opinions about their own and others’ work, learning that art is about creativity and individuality as much as skill.
By seeing their own ideas valued, children are inspired to take risks and innovate in their artistic practice.
Flourish
Children develop resilience and perseverance, continually evaluating and improving their work.
They learn to give and receive feedback constructively, which supports personal growth and self-belief.
Pupils become proficient in the key threads and concepts of art and design, growing in independence as they move through the school.
Speaking confidently about their work, children gain a sense of ownership and achievement.
Enrichment
Children confidently share their artwork with others, for example through termly art exhibitions, developing pride and presentation skills.
Opportunities to create work for both themselves and wider audiences give pupils a strong sense of purpose and contribution.
They engage with the wider world of art by learning about artists past and present, broadening their horizons.
Enrichment activities, such as exhibitions, visits, or collaborative projects, provide memorable experiences that deepen their cultural capital.
Organisation & Sequencing
Enrichment
