Art

‘The important thing is to create’ Pablo Picasso

Curriculum intention

At St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to the Arts curriculum. We believe that providing a rich and varied arts context enhances and enriches all children’s learning. 

Art and Design provides unique and enjoyable experiences for children, which enables them to develop skills, knowledge and creativity. They are able to explore and express their feelings and boost their self-esteem, confidence and maturity. 

A high quality Art and Design curriculum 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.

Implementation

The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design curriculum at St Anthony’s catholic primary school is based on the National Curriculum and linked to topics to ensure a well-structured approach to this creative subject. Art is embedded into the curriculum which can be evidenced in both Long and Medium term planning for each year group.

Teachers are provided with support from a specialist Art teacher for 2 sessions per academic year.

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 an annual Art Exhibition which includes all schools in our Catholic School Partnership (CSP). Here the children have the opportunity for collaborative working and exploring the different styles and techniques of a range of artists.

Curriculum Impact 

Ongoing assessments take place throughout the year. Teachers use this information to inform future lessons; ensuring children are supported and challenged appropriately. This data is analysed on a termly basis to inform and address any trends or gaps in attainment. 

Children in Foundation Stage are assessed within Expressive Arts and Design and their progress is tracked termly using the Early Essence tracker system. Age related expectation levels are reported to parents at the end of the academic year.

Aims and Objectives

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils: 

1. Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
2. Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
3. Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
4. Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

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
• Respond to a range of media and materials, develop their understanding of them in order to manipulate and create different effects.  Use different media and materials to express their own ideas 
• Explore colour and use for a particular purpose
• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately
• Select appropriate media and techniques and adapt their work where necessary

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]

Please click here to see how the progression of vocabulary in art is planned for.

Please click here to see how the progression of skills in art is planned for.

Annual Overview