Art

Art and Design at Christ Church CE VA Primary School

‘Together, with God’s love, we can achieve anything’

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.

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:

produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Intent

Our principal aim is to develop the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in art and design through the delivery of the National Curriculum in a Warrington context.

We want children to enjoy the creative opportunities they have and to become increasingly knowledgeable about, and skilful in, artistic techniques.

We want children to enhance their learning across the curriculum in other subjects through artistic endeavour.

We want children to value artistic endeavour in all its forms, and showcase their talents to others both internal and external to the School.

Detail

In KS1 and KS2 we have mixed-age classes and so we teach the Art and Design Curriculum on a two-year rolling cycle. Links are made with other curriculum areas where appropriate. Learning objectives are taken from the sequential progress objectives for the subject, which are based on the National Curriculum programme of study. Assessments are made against such objectives annually for reporting purposes, with the expectation that a key stage / sub Key stage’s learning expectations will be met –or exceeded – by the end of same.

Art is not taught in isolation, although it retains its creative base and its skills and techniques. Wherever appropriate it is linked to other areas of the curriculum and gives children the opportunities to develop specific art skills and reinforces skills already established.

The school uses a variety of teaching and learning styles in art and design lessons. We ensure that the act of investigating and making something includes exploring and developing ideas, and evaluating and developing work. We do this best through a mixture of whole-class teaching and individual/group activities. Teachers draw attention to good examples of individual performance as models for the other children. They encourage children to evaluate their own ideas and methods, and the work of others, and say what they think and feel about them. We give children the opportunity within lessons to work on their own and collaborate with others, on projects in two and three dimensions and on different scales. Children also have the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and resources, including computing equipment.

Engagement with Warrington Primary Arts Network (PAN) allows children to showcase their artistic work in an annual public exhibition alongside other local schools. Children also perform a dance as part of this festival.

Periodic visits of artists to work with the children are undertaken.

EYFS

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.

CONTRIBUTION OF ART AND DESIGN TO TEACHING IN OTHER CURRICULUM AREAS

English

Art and design contributes to the teaching of English in our school by encouraging children to ask and answer questions about the starting points for their work. They have the opportunity to compare ideas, methods and approaches in their own work and that of other children, and to say what they think and feel about them.

Mathematics

Art and design contributes to the teaching of mathematics in our school by giving opportunities to develop the children’s understanding of shape and space through work in two and three dimensions.

Computing

We use Computing to support art and design teaching when appropriate. Children use software to explore shape, colour and pattern in their work. Older children collect visual information to help them develop their ideas by the developing use of digital cameras to record their observations. Children use the internet to find out more about famous artists and designers.

Personal, social and health education (PSHE) and citizenship

Art and design contributes to the teaching of some elements of personal, social and health education and citizenship. The children discuss how they feel about their own work and the methods and approaches used by others. They have the opportunity to meet and talk with artists and other talented adults whilst undertaking their work.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

The teaching of art and design offers opportunities to support the social development of our children through the way we expect them to work with each other in lessons. Groupings allow children to work together and give them the chance to discuss their ideas and feelings about their own work and the work of others. Their work in general helps them to develop a respect for the abilities of other children and encourages them to collaborate and co-operate across a range of activities and experiences. The children learn to respect and work with each other and with adults, thus developing a better understanding of themselves. They also develop an understanding of different times and cultures whilst learning about famous artists, designers and craftspeople.

Teaching art and design to children with diverse needs

When planning, teachers will set high expectations and provide opportunities for all pupils to succeed – boys and girls, pupils with Special Education Needs, pupils with disabilities, pupils from all social and cultural backgrounds and pupils of different ethnic groups. We are aware that pupils bring to school different experiences, interests and strengths, which will influence the way in which they learn. Teachers plan their approaches to teaching and learning so that all pupils can take part in lessons fully and effectively.

We respond to diverse needs by:-

Creating effective learning environments
Securing their motivation and concentration
Providing equality of opportunity through teaching approaches
Using assessment to inform planning

Teachers will take account of these requirements and make provision, where necessary, to support individuals or groups of pupils to enable them to participate effectively in the curriculum. Teachers will bear in mind that special arrangements are available to support pupils.

Adapted activities and equipment
Extending the time scale for task completion
Additional support

Impact

Children through monitoring are increasingly able to articulate their growing knowledge of artistic terms and concepts. They enjoy art work and produce examples of a high standard.

We hold the Warrington Arts Award.

Our children exhibit their Artwork annually for public review as part of the Primary Arts Network.

Please see our photos below!