Art
introducing art
The art and design curriculum is structured to inspire and encourage the development of creative ability in every pupil, and to foster a love of the subject. Lessons are planned to be enjoyable, to ensure pupils feel supported in order to build confidence, and to enable pupils to acquire the language and skills of art with which they may then express themselves.
Over the course of each year pupils engage in a balanced art and design programme. They spend time working from observation, working from the imagination and being inspired by artists, designers or craftspeople. Alongside the art offered within the curriculum, children from Reception through to Year 8 are also offered the opportunity to take part in weekly art clubs and regular art competitions.
The approach is thematic and various resources are used to stimulate practical work - such as interesting objects and artefacts, literature, music, the environment and reference to famous works of art.
Pupils will gain experience of a variety of materials, tools and techniques not only associated with drawing, painting and modelling, but also through the use of the school’s ceramics and textiles rooms. They will be encouraged to develop the ability to control these materials sensitively.
Pupils will also be introduced to the basic principles of colour mixing and composition, and will explore the formal elements: line, tone, pattern, texture, shape, form and space.
Discussion always precedes and supports practical work in order to focus pupils' observation and perception, and an appropriate art vocabulary is encouraged. In addition to the satisfaction gained through "making" images and artefacts, pupils are helped to "understand" their working process, to evaluate their work and that of others constructively and to appreciate art and design in the world around them.