Art & Design

Curriculum Intent: Art & Design

In response to our mixed-aged classes, our curriculum is implemented on a two-yearly programme (Cycle A and Cycle B). This ensures complete curriculum coverage for our pupils. As children progress throughout the school, they develop their knowledge and skills through a range of topics. By Year 6, all children will have followed our Curriculum Narrative pathway.

Characteristics of an Artist

The ability to use visual language skillfully and convincingly (for example, line, shape, pattern, colour, texture, form) to express emotions, interpret observations, convey insights and accentuate their individuality.
The ability to communicate fluently in visual and tactile form.
The ability to draw confidently and adventurously from observation, memory and imagination.
The ability to explore and invent marks, develop and deconstruct ideas and communicate perceptively and powerfully through purposeful drawing in 2D, 3D or digital media.
An impressive knowledge and understanding of other artists, craft makers and designers.
The ability to think and act like creative practitioners by using their knowledge and understanding to inform, inspire and interpret ideas, observations and feelings.
Independence, initiative and originality which they can use to develop their creativity.
The ability to select and use materials, processes and techniques skillfully and inventively to realise intentions and capitalise on the unexpected.
The ability to reflect on, analyse and critically evaluate their own work and that of others.
A passion for and a commitment to the subject.

Implementation

Our pupils should be able to organise their knowledge, skills and understanding around the following threshold concepts:

Developing ideas
Experimenting
Recording
Presenting

These threshold concepts underpin learning in each milestone. This enables pupils to reinforce and build upon prior learning, make connections and develop subject specific language. Teaching and learning of Art should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own pieces of work through drawing, painting and sculpture. 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 both reflects
and shapes our history and contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
A variety of opportunities should ensure that all pupils are able to experience a wide range of artistic opportunities; these should enable pupils to produce creative work. They will explore new ideas and record their experiences whilst becoming proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. They will also evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design. The children will know about great artists, craft makers and designers and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Please see Long Term Planning for Art and Design

Art & Design Curriculum Phases Overview

Aspirations For The Future

Pupils develop an understanding of how subjects and specific skills are linked to future jobs.

Here are some of the jobs you could aspire to do in the future as an Artist:

Wardrobe master
Curator
Author and illustrator
Furniture designer
Fashion designer
Cartoonist
Sculptor
Architect

Inspirational Figure

Impact

Assessment

Through the explicit teaching of the Art skills, both the teachers and the pupils assess their learning continuously throughout the lesson. Children develop Sketchbooks of work that follow them through school to show their developing skills in Art. They take pride in displaying their artwork around school to reflect their learning. Our assessment systems enable teachers to make informed judgements about the depth of their learning and the progress they have made over time.

Pupil Voice

“I like painting and finding out about different artists.”

Joseph (KS1)

“I thoroughly enjoy Art! It’s my favourite subject. I’m working on a Chinese Dragon which is very tricky. I feel proud when my work gets displayed.”

Alfie (KS2)

“I love Art and I think it’s really relaxing. It’s one of my favourite things to do at school.”

Annabell (KS2)

“I like being creative, so Art is a great subject for me. I practise to get better and it’s fun.”

Joel (KS2)

Snapshots

Here is what Art and Design looks like at St. Joseph’s