Intent

At Forest View we aim to provide a curriculum for art with the intent that our children will develop; a sense of creativity, self-expression and high attainment, from Early Years through to the end of Key stage 2. It allows for cumulative progression of art knowledge and skills, allowing children to build on prior learning to ensure that theoretical, practical and disciplinary understanding is achieved. Our curriculum exposes all children to art, giving them a chance to participate and experience a range of creative activities. Allowing children to experiment in a ‘safe’ environment where there is no ‘right way’ of achieving and enabling them to develop growth mind-set and enhance their self-esteem. Children will become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting, as well as other selected craft skills, e.g. collage, printing, weaving and patterns. Children will be taught about the work of famous artists, designers and craft makers. Through an inspiring and cross curricular approach (where possible), based on practical and hands on experiences, we aim to develop children’s interest and curiosity about art and design. Through encouraging art discussions and evaluating their own and others’ work, children are encouraged to develop their visual language, ideas and feelings. Being able to experience a variety of materials, tools and techniques, ensures children have the opportunity to record creatively the world around them. Our art lessons provide progression in both skills and knowledge. They offer the chance for children to develop their emotional expression through art to further enhance their personal, social and emotional development. Opportunities to explore excellence and celebrate success are built into the curriculum provision.

“Art is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality.” Quentin Blake, Children’s Laureate

Implementation

In the Early Years, the specific areas of learning entitled ‘creating with materials’ and ‘being imaginative and expressive,’ provide the foundations for the delivery of our Art and
Design provision. Our Early Years Practitioners support learning through demonstration,
vocabulary rich discussion and enabling play environments

Our Art and Design curriculum has been designed to cover all of the skills set out in the National Curriculum.

Art and Design is taught on a rotation with Design and Technology every other half term. It is taught as a discrete subject but is also integrated into other subject areas when possible to create meaningful topic based learning opportunities.  Lessons are delivered in a multi-sensory way with visual, verbal and practical teaching strategies employed. We recognise that prior learning is the foundation for skill progression and explicit links are made between areas of learning. This allows children to make connections between art history, techniques, and artists. Key terms and meanings are presented every lesson with the expectation being that the children will use this key vocabulary in discussions and in self-review of their practical skills. As the children move through school, they revisit concepts with increasing levels of depth. This enables them to develop an awareness of their own artistic progress in terms of both skill and confidence. Children are encouraged to choose art techniques for a purpose and in doing so apply their knowledge of skills taught. Through this they develop the resilience to experiment and learn from the choices made. The children’s learning is further enhanced with a whole school art week.  This week is dedicated to the different styles and techniques of a range of artists. A whole school assembly is used to introduce a topic and the children display their work in key stage art galleries in order to celebrate their achievements and share their work with the rest of the school. We recognise that our staff and visitors are role models for our children. Their own approach to new experiences or personal passion for art can inspire children to develop their own interests and areas of enjoyment.

Impact

At Forest View Primary the person responsible for leading art and design will keep a portfolio of evidence documenting progression throughout the key stages. Each pupil will have a sketch book that follows them from Year 1 to the end of Key Stage 2, documenting their art and design skills as they develop.  Art will be displayed in classrooms and corridors celebrating Forest View’s efforts. 

At the end of a series of lessons, pupils and staff will share examples of pupils’ work and will discuss how they meet the learning intentions that have been covered. By using this approach, we hope that children will become more confident in analysing their work and giving their opinion on their own and other works of art. Children will show competence in improving their resilience and perseverance by continually evaluating and improving their work. All children in school should be able to speak confidently about their art and design work and their skills.

We aim for all children to acquire the age appropriate related knowledge and skills linked to the Art and Design curriculum at the end of Reception, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 so that they will be well prepared for their next key stage. Children will: 

• know about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities and make links to their own work.
• will be able to talk about and evaluate creative works using the language of art and design taught through topic vocabulary.
• will be prepared for their own future success by raising their awareness of how art is an appreciation of human creativity and achievement – Cultural Capital

Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire and motivate.