Rationale for the teaching of Art and Design

At St Anne’s, we believe that 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.

How we teach and learn Art and Design at St Anne’s

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children begin their art journey through exploring and using different materials, tools and techniques. They have daily opportunities through continuous provision, to experiment with colour, design, texture, form and function. We encourage children to follow their own creative interests, enabling them to develop their imagination and to express themselves confidently.

A long term plan of the units covered across both key stage 1 and key stage 2, ensures coverage of all Art and Design disciplines; including drawing, painting, 3D design, print and textiles, as outlined in the National Curriculum. Year group planning identifies the specific skills to be taught as part of each unit, and ensures clear progression moving up through the school.

Art lessons may be taught weekly or as a block, linked to the term’s Creative Curriculum topic.  The teaching of technical skills, ideas and research is recorded in pupil’s Art Journals and the unit may conclude with a final piece. Pupils are encouraged to draft, re-work and review their ideas. Art may be photographed, for example large scale outdoor sculpture and playground chalk work.

All lessons should start with a warm up; encouraging freedom of movement and expression. Music may be used as a stimulus to encourage creativity. Where appropriate, pupils are given a choice of media and encouraged to try new techniques and resources. Lessons involve teacher input to teach and develop specific skills, which pupils then trial and interpret individually. Self and peer assessment form an important part of the lesson and allow development of appropriate Art and Design vocabulary, as well as identifying strengths and areas for development in their work. A variety of independent, paired and group work is incorporated within the curriculum.

Pupils study the work of famous artists and designers throughout history; learning about their influences, exploring their methods and techniques and using their work as a stimulus for pupils to develop personal interpretations.

Wherever possible, opportunities are created for collaborative work, both between classes and across year groups throughout the school. This may be linked to our Creative Curriculum topics or Christmas and end of year shows and productions. We provide opportunities for children to attend Art Clubs, allowing them to learn new skills, as well as developing their creativity. We regularly welcome visitors into our school to run workshops and share their work with pupils. School trips may include visits to Art Galleries and workshops run by local community art projects.

Pupils have the opportunity to see their designs through to print; creating personalised Christmas cards and designs for our School Production programmes.

The teaching and learning of Art and Design, fulfils a valuable part in developing our pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. Exploring a variety of art styles promotes thoughtful questioning skills and as a highly subjective subject, Art and Design ensures that children learn the importance of everyone being able to share their opinions, as well as considering those of others. Children are given the opportunity to explore art from other cultures, for example African and Aboriginal art, and art linked to Literacy texts covered in English. Key stage 2 pupils may discuss possible religious and political influences within Art and Design, as well as making links with art throughout different periods in history.

How we celebrate our Art and Design learning

Pupils work is recorded in their Art Journal, as an on-going record that travels with them through the school. Art work linked to our Creative Curriculum themes is displayed in the classroom and in corridors around the school. Class and whole school projects are shared with parents and may be exhibited in the hall. Holiday homework projects often incorporate Art and Design, and allow pupils to work collaboratively with their siblings. Work is shared, displayed and prizes awarded for outstanding learning.