Art and Design
Intent
At Marsh Hill, we believe that an art, craft and design education will engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to participate in, experiment with, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. We value the contribution that art and design has in our curriculum and to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. We provide a high-quality art and design curriculum which provides pupils with the opportunity to use and understand the properties of a wide range of tools, materials and techniques. Crucially it provides children with regular opportunities to think imaginatively and creatively and develop confidence in other subjects and life skills.
Art, craft and design is a practical, and creative subject. Through their active participation, pupils at Marsh Hill Primary School learn to explore their imagination, generate ideas, acquire skills and apply judgement. It is also a subject in which pupils develop their knowledge and understanding as well as their skills. They learn about the materials and techniques they use and about the world of art, craft and design, recognising the achievements of artists, designers and craftspeople from many different times and cultures. It also develops and encourages critical and creative thinking.
Pupils in EYFS are encouraged to be "Dynamic Designers" and "Talented Tool Users" through planned adult led activities and child initiated activites in the continuous provision.
Aims
- To enable children to become visually literate and understand that art is a form of communication.
- To enable children to use a wide range of media to communicate ideas and feelings.
- To nurture and harness creativity and acquire and develop a range of skills and techniques.
- To develop children’s capacity for imaginative and original thought and to try out ideas without the fear of failing.
- To enable children through observation to learn about the world around them.
- To help children learn about the role of art, craft and design in their environment and take inspiration from it.
- To enable children to become independent in the planning and reviewing of their work
- To enable children to develop their full potential confidently and independently.
We intend for children to:
- gain the art and design skills that they need to further their education at secondary school
- inspire and motivate children to pursue a career in the creative industries
- enjoy art and see how it can impact on their personal and professional life
- be able to talk about influential artists. Both current and in the past.
Implementation
The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum at Marsh Hill Primary School is based on the National Curriculum and has a thematic approach. We ensure that art and design is given the same importance as the core subjects, as we feel this is important in enabling all children to gain ‘real-life’ experiences. The Art and Design curriculum is planned carefully to ensure that we equip pupils with the knowledge and skills that they will need to succeed in life.
During the course of the academic year, each year group completes the equivalent of three half terms of art. The focus is either drawing, painting or sculpture. This is detailed in our long term plan and, where possible, links to the current topic being taught. Skills in drawing, painting and sculpture are progressive and build upon the previous year’s learning. In each unit of work, children develop their skills which build up to produce a final piece. Units of work are sequenced across the school to ensure that new knowledge and skills build upon previous learning.
- Using a variety of approaches that are matched to the activity and cater for the range of ability of the children.
- Having the opportunity to examine natural objects, everyday artefacts, historical artefacts. Developing clear links between art and design and I.C.T. opportunities.
- Encouraging children to work individually, in pairs, small groups and as whole class when required.
- Encouraging the development of personal and social skills, being fully inclusive and giving equal access for pupils to learning opportunities.
- Ensuring that issues of Health and Safety are addressed in the planning and delivery of the art curriculum.
The key concepts in art and design we plan a progression for are as follows:
- Generating Ideas
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printing
- Sculpture
- Collage
- Evaluating
- Knowledge and understanding
- Vocabulary
The Early Years Foundation Stage
At Marsh Hill, we encourage creative work in our reception class as this is part of the foundation stage. We relate the creative development of the children to the objectives set out in the early learning goals, which underpin the curriculum planning for children aged three to five. The children’s learning includes art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play. The range of experience encourages children to make connections between one area of learning and another and so extends their understanding. We provide a rich environment in which we encourage and value creativity. Children experience a wide range of activities that they respond to, using the various senses. We give them the opportunity to work alongside artists and other adults. The activities that they take part in are imaginative and enjoyable.
At Marsh Hill, within the foundation stage we run continuous provision, where children have free access to all resources and opportunities, allowing them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding at their own pace and interest. We relate the creative development of the children to the points set out in the foundation stage profile, as well as the age-related expectations in development matters which underpin the curriculum planning for children from birth to five. The children’s learning includes art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play. The range of experiences encourages children to make connections between one area of learning and another and so extends their understanding
Impact
To celebrate the children’s art work, there is a Marsh Hill Art Gallery in the hall. Each term, it has a different focus and shows progression across the school in a particular area, for example painting, drawing or sculpture. Where possible the children’s original art work is displayed but sometimes it might be a photograph. Alongside our curriculum provision for art and design, we also provide pupils with the opportunity to participate in art based after school clubs. Educational visits provide the opportunity for teachers to plan for additional art and design learning outside the classroom. Within art and design, we strive to instil an appreciation and enjoyment of the arts enriching the children’s learning experience. Our art and design curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression.
We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
- Assessing children’s progress towards end of year expectations
- Expectation grids are completing throughout the unit. This enables children to self-assess against the expectations for the unit and give them the next steps in their learning. Teachers use this when forming a judgement at the end of the year.
- Photographs and videos of the children’s practical learning
- Talking to the pupils about their learning (pupil voice)
- Marking grids are used in Art and Design lessons. Success criteria for the lesson are shared with the children then the teachers assess whether the child is working towards it or at it. This informs their assessments.
- Annual reporting of standards across the curriculum to SLT and Governors
