Arts
Curriculum Intent
Our art curriculum is a knowledge rich curriculum. Knowledge, in the realm of art, means knowledge not only of artists, designers, architects and their work, but of the artistic concepts that relate to their work shown in different types and styles of art, how these relate to each other in a historical context and how this affects the children’s own use of materials and development of skills. The curriculum is designed to enable children to learn by making connections between the work of artists, architects and designers (which they study critically) and their own work, which they evaluate and relate back to the works they have studied. This process is cyclical. For children following the curriculum, becoming informed about the subject discipline of art is a process that takes place alongside a growing love for the subject. Meaningful opportunities for self-expression and individual response are woven through the curriculum, giving children space to learn who they are as an artist.
Curriculum Implementation
The overall scheme of the curriculum provides for gradual progression in terms of skills (split into painting, drawing, 3D form, collage, textiles, printmaking and mixed media) and introducing the children to a range of diverse materials. It also provides for progression in terms of knowledge of different concepts and types of art. The structure of the planning also provides for progression in terms of process in art, both in terms of critical analysis of others’ art and the necessary observation, exploration and evaluation needed for the children to create their own art. Activities children are directed to undertake in lessons are designed with an eye to the importance of learning and practising process. The art and design curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of key artists and art movements and units are linked to artists through practical work. The units scaffold and support essential and age-appropriate sequence learning and are flexible and adaptable. Creativity and independent outcomes are robustly embedded into the units of work, supporting students learning how to make their creative choices and decisions so that their art outcomes, whilst being knowledge rich, are unique to the pupils. Lessons are practical and encourage experimental and exploratory learning. Knowledge organisers for each unit support pupils in building a foundation of factual knowledge by encouraging recall of key facts and vocabulary.
The curriculum fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum for England and, as such, has as its focus the art of the Western world. This course of study seeks to show how art shapes our history and contributes to our national culture. Where a unit looks at a period in history which is also addressed in the history curriculum, the art unit is taught after the history unit. This allows the children to approach their study of art with a degree of confidence and ‘expertise’ and to consolidate their knowledge by creating connections between the different disciplines.
To ensure there is a balance of cultural diversity in the art curriculum, specific units and artists have been added as well as the western world study.
Curriculum Impact
The curriculum is designed in such a way that children are involved in the evaluation, dialogue and decision making about the quality of their outcomes and the improvements they need to make. By taking part in regular discussions and decision-making processes, the children will not only know facts about their own learning journey, have higher metacognitive skills and have a growing understanding of how to improve.
The impact of the Primary Knowledge Curriculum scheme can be continually monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Each lesson includes guidance to support teachers in assessing pupils against learning objectives and/or at the end of the unit of work.
Our aspiration is that pupils leave Wheatfield with skills, techniques, confidence, and creativity that equips them to further their learning in secondary school and beyond.
The expected impact is that children will:
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Produce creative work, exploring and recording their ideas.
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Be proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art and craft and design technology techniques.
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Evaluate and analyse creative works using subject specific language.
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Know about great artists and the historical and cultural development and impact of their art.
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Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the national curriculum.
EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s understanding of art, artists and creative techniques while encouraging expression and imagination through the planning and teaching of ‘Expressive Arts and Design’. They will be taught how to use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form, and function. They will have a chance to be imaginative and sing and perform songs. Our children all have their own sketchbook, which is in line with the rest of the school. Here they will explore different techniques. They will learn about artists and paintings over the year.
Fun Art Links to Help with Learning in School
Here are some useful and fun websites that can help your child understand more about what they are learning in school or give them an opportunity to try some art activities at home!
Useful websites:
National Gallery of Art: https://www.nga.gov/learn/kids-app.html
Kinder Art: https://kinderart.com/
#MetKids https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/metkids/
Tate Kids: https://www.tate.org.uk/kids
Whole School Art Curriculum Overview
Whole School Art Subject Rationale
Whole School Art Subject Vocabulary
Whole School Art Progression of Skills
Art Lead - Mrs Liddiard
