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St Paul's Catholic
Primary School

Art

Intent for the curriculum in Art

As with all other subjects at St Paul’s, we want pupils to develop the characteristics of learners outlined in DESIRE. We want our pupils to develop a real enjoyment and appreciation of art in all its forms and develop a curiosity about a wide range of artists and their work.  We want children to be able to discuss and express their opinions about images they study and to be confident in their own ability to select and use different mediums and techniques to best effect. We believe all pupils can be successful in art and we strive to ensure that girls and boys all attain the highest standards possible. 

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. It is our aim to deliver a high-quality art and design programme of work that 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. As pupils progress through the school, 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 different cultures around the world.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

Art reveals the possibilities of human creativity and that is necessary for the human spirit to flourish. Art brings thoughtful contemplation, an appreciation of the skills of others, a sense of awe about the world around us and a desire to help protect and share the beauty we see in all of God’s creation.

SEND

Art, by its very essence, is accessible to all children and is an area of the curriculum where all groups can achieve well. SEND children grow in confidence as art allows the children to express themselves in a way that they may find difficult in other subjects. Art is never wrong- it lets children to explore and experiment with confidence, creating images that can be strikingly beautiful even in abstract form. Many of the artists chosen to study in more detail, have overcome great physical and emotional journeys while producing their art work, which can be a powerful and inspiring to all children.

ORACY

Within each art topic throughout the school, children are encouraged to discuss in small groups and  to the class as a whole, the merits of a wide variety of images from selected artists. Children speak using artistic terminology to describe form and techniques used besides explaining how the image speaks to them- what do they like/ dislike, how the picture makes them feel, what message/ lesson is the artist trying to make etc.

At the end of a topic, the children verbally appraise their own work and that of the class- what has been done well, why do some images stand out, what could be improved, would they do anything differently?

Implementation

We believe that art, craft and design offers the children opportunities to:

  • produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
  • build confidence to experiment with ideas/ mediums
  • become increasingly proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
  • evaluate, discuss and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
  • know about great artists, craft makers and designers

Our intent is that all children will develop a love and appreciation of art in all its forms. They will become increasingly confident in their ability to choose and use a range of techniques and mediums in their art work as they progress through the school. Topic work will teach children of art from different times, eras and cultures and be used as inspiration for their own work. Artists that are studied in detail are chosen with regard to their links to the termly topics within each key stage. Children will examine techniques used by an artist and be encouraged to experiment with form and choice of medium in sketch books before working on a final piece. Art work of all children is displayed both in the classrooms and around the school.

We know teachers must have sufficient knowledge and skill to deliver art topics effectively. We are confident that this is strong throughout the school. We strive to maintain an open and cohesive working environment as staff at St Paul’s so that teachers and teaching assistants are confident in asking their team leaders or the art subject leader for advice when it is required. Team planning and team meetings also provide opportunities for support to be provided if and when it’s required. Art skills workshops have given staff opportunities to develop their competence in sculpture and a variety of drawing techniques.

Impact

Formative assessment will take place each lesson, with sketch books to show progression of confidence, skill and mastery of chosen mediums. New skills/ techniques will be introduced in small steps, building on previously learnt methods.  Children are actively encouraged to assess and critique their own work each lesson and explore alternatives/ improvements/ changes that could be made to move their learning and competence to the next level. End results are assessed by the pupils and their peers