Art
INTENT
At Dropmore Infant School Art and Design is an inclusive subject that promotes creativity and curiosity for all children. The teaching of Art and Design at our school allows children to develop not only creative skills but also provides an opportunity to express their individual thoughts, processes and ideas. Children will become competent and confident to experiment with a range of techniques, tools and materials and to explore colour, texture, shape, form and pattern. We broaden the children’s awareness of the work by a range of artists and encourage them to find their own pleasure in learning about art and being an artist, knowing that they will produce a piece of art work unique to them, which they and others can be proud of. Throughout our teaching of Art and Design we will revisit prior learning in order to embed the children’s skills and techniques. We have high ambitions for all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL and those from a disadvantaged background. When the children leave us, our pupils will have formed a strong foundation of Art and Design skills through mastery of a range of tools and skills which will be built on as they continue their journey as young artists.
IMPLEMENTATION
The teaching of Art and Design begins in the Early Years (our Reception class) where children develop a good foundation of core artistic skills through a mixture of child initiated and adult directed activities linked to core themes. Children are given opportunity to explore materials and techniques through a hands-on approach, exploring material capabilities and uses. Children safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. Children’s learning is contextualised through the study of artists and the study of key works of art. Children begin to use language of art and design to share the creations and explain the processes they have used.
In KS1 children learn about Art; specific skills, techniques and knowledge are linked in art lessons, they are taught in units every alternative half term. Children build on their learning from EYFS, refining their core skills in a more structured approach. Children develop a wide range of art and design techniques, introducing and exploring the formal elements. Children learn about colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space and they use a range of materials creatively to design and make works of art. Children dive deeper into contextual knowledge through artist studies. Children are encouraged to think like an artist by applying their contextual knowledge to their own work through making links and comparisons
Dropmore Infant School uses Access Art and guidance from Paul Carney Primary Art, Craft, and Design to help inform curriculum design. Key knowledge, skills and vocabulary for Art and Design have been mapped across EYFS and KS1 to ensure progression between year groups. As children move through the school they revisit concepts with increasing levels of depth.
IMPACT
Our Art and Design curriculum ensures that our children have learnt, improved and embedded a wide range of skills by the end of Year 2. They will have an awareness of a broad range of artists and will be able to consider and discuss the art works they come across with increasing confidence. We want our children to be confident to explore, experiment and take risks, understanding the value of the learning journey, not just the finished product. Most importantly we want our children to have found and enjoyed a creative outlet, a way of supporting their own social and emotional health and development – a means of self-expression and enjoyment which they will hopefully keep throughout their life.
The impact of our Art and Design curriculum is measured by:
- In school attainment tracking
- Teacher voice – staff meetings, questionnaires
- Pupil voice - questionnaires
- Subject leader monitoring – work scrutiny, learning walks, planning checks
- Governor monitoring – Governor meetings, learning walks, attendance at events