Art
Vision - Why do we teach what we teach?
Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. We aim to use art and design as a medium to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, promoting independent thinking. We aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to experiment, invent and create, exploring their own ideas and those of artists from the past. We aim to build an understanding of how art and design has shaped our history and how it contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. We want pupils to explore ideas, becoming proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, design and craft techniques enabling them to express themselves creatively.
Intent
Pupils will be exposed to a broad range of different kinds of arts, craft and design. They should be able to think critically about art and design, including their own. Children will develop their understanding of the visual language of art with effective teaching and carefully thought out sequences of lessons and experiences. Understanding of the visual elements of art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form) will be developed by providing an accessible and engaging curriculum which will enable children to reach their full potential. As they progress through each year group, they will develop their techniques and have the opportunity to apply these creatively with no ceiling on what they can achieve. Fundamental skills such as observations, sketching, use of shape and colour and imagination are built upon with each new topic so that pupils feel confident to apply these independently at school and beyond.
Implementation
Art and Design is taught to all pupils from EYFS to Year 6, following a carefully planned programme of study ensuring pupils knowledge and skills are build on and developed. Lessons are designed with high engagement in mind to promote curiosity and a secure environment to ensure creativity can flourish. Pupils’ vocabulary is built up incrementally, so they are able to fully analyse and evaluate creative works using the language of art, craft and design. Pupils will know about great artists and gain understanding of the historical and cultural development of their art forms. Pupils know that Art and Design is a subjective subject and as such, there is no right or wrong, and all pupils can achieve success.
Impact
Pupils’ sketch books and art folders demonstrate that control and technique with media such as pencil, pastel and paint improve significantly through their time at Kilby St Mary’s. Pupils should be happy to talk about their own creative work and that of the artists, designers and crafts people they have knowledge of. Pupils show enthusiasm when faced with a creative challenge and can draw on their own imagination and influences of other artists. Pupils show understanding that art can be an expression of their thoughts and passions and can be a tool to influence others.
Broader Curriculum
Art has a strong link to many subjects: History, English, Music, Design Technology and Computing. Indeed, many creative groups throughout history have been made up of poets, composers, artists and philosophers all working together to create. In modern life, computing can be a major part of any art or design work.
In Art, pupils build on their personal development by appraising their peers work and that of other artists; pupils are able to identify and understand that everyone has their own individual viewpoint and opinion. Art has a huge impact on their SMSC development throughout the subject, ranging from understanding of different cultures, debates about morality and historical beliefs to analysis of different religious art and architecture. Pupils can see that art has an impact on both their own lives and that of the wider world.
What does a good learner look like on leaving Kilby St Mary’s?
A good learner is enthusiastic about art and has a creative flair and imagination when it comes to creating art. They are motivated about learning new skills and put these into practice effectively through sketchbook work and developing their finished pieces. Art is an act of expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations and the children can convey this through media with explanations of their work. The children leave Kilby St Mary’s with a good understanding of famous artists and are able to critique their work.