Art Statement of intent

At St Mary’s we aim to provide an art curriculum which will enable each child to reach their full potential in learning in art, through investigating and making, through research and the development of skills and through their evaluation of their own art and that made by others. Our art and design education will 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. The children will be able to think critically and develop a deep understanding of art and design. They will know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Art statement of implementation

The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and linked to topics where possible and appropriate. We use a structured scheme which showcases development of skills and techniques through the school. All children in all year groups experience the art disciplines of drawing, painting, collage, printing, textiles and 3D.  The work of famous local, national and international artists are explored to enhance the children's learning. The children's learning is further enhanced with a whole school “Arts Week”, when the children have the opportunity for collaborative working and exploring the different styles and techniques of a range of artists.

Early Years Foundation Stage Pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child-initiated and adult directed activities. They have opportunities to learn to:

· Explore the textures, movement, feel and look of different media and materials and then use these to express their own ideas and create different effects

· Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately

Key stage 1 Pupils are taught:

1. To use a range of materials creatively to design and make products

2. To use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination

3. To develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space

4. About the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work.

Key stage 2 Pupils are taught

To develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.

Pupils are taught:

1. To create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas

2. To improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials [for example, pencil, charcoal, paint, clay]

3. About great artists, architects and designers in history.

Art statement of impact

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 planned to demonstrate progression. We focus on progression of knowledge and skills and discreet vocabulary progression also forms part of the units of work.

· Children will achieve age related expectations in Art at the end of their cohort year.

· Children will retain knowledge about their focus artists for each unit of work.

· Children will understand what being in ‘artist’ means, and feel like they are artists.

· Children create a high-quality body of work which is reflected in the displays in school and in sketch books.