Art and Design

Our art curriculum is based not only on the acquisition of knowledge and skills but is also designed to provide rich experiences for the children. Some children who may struggle with the more academic aspects of school life can shine in art lessons. For others art and design can become a life-long interest, hobby or even the basis of a career. Art and design is valued in our school and is taught with enthusiasm.

Our Art and Design Curriculum is planned and delivered using Cornerstone Maestro Curriculum 22.

Our art and design projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s skills and knowledge of visual elements, art forms, artists and art movements. As with all aspects of our curriculum, we aim to use art as a medium to give children real life rich experiences and to develop their cultural capital. Enrichment activities linked to the art curriculum include visits to Forest school, an art gallery and a sculpture park. This year we will also be inviting visitors to school including a local florist and a weaver.

Art projects are placed alongside other subject projects where there are opportunities for making meaningful connections. For example, Beautiful Botanicals has been placed in the same teaching sequence as the science project Plants.

Art and Design lessons are planned for and adapted online via the Cornerstones website. Our art and design curriculum is delivered with integrity ensuring complete coverage of the National Curriculum programmes of study for Art.

All Art and Design work, from first sketches to the final evaluation stage is recorded in the children’s individual art books. Key vocabulary for Art is displayed in the classroom and taught directly.

All art based Knowledge Rich Projects allocated to each year group are taught with fidelity and in the planned sequence, to ensure coverage and the development of skills throughout school. The focus is always on the teaching of key skills, which are developed and built upon each year.

In our curriculum, where possible, projects with similar materials are spaced out to have as little strain on resources as possible. For example, in Key Stage 1, clay work is taught in different terms. Seasons are also a consideration for the placement of art and design projects. For example, if children are required to work outdoors, these projects have been placed in either the latter part of the spring or summer term.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, each autumn term begins with the colour project Mix It. The teaching of this project in Years 1 and 2 enables children to be introduced to and then revisit colour theory and provides plentiful opportunities for children to explore primary and secondary colours. Year 1 begins by exploring themes directly related to the children themselves, such as their facial features, the surrounding natural world and their local community. In Year 2, the projects expand children’s artistic horizons to study a more comprehensive range of artists, artistic movements and creative techniques.

Lower Key Stage 2

In Lower Key Stage 2, each autumn term begins with the colour project Contrast and Complement. In Years 3 and 4, the teaching of this project enables children to build on their previous understanding of colour and further develop their expertise by studying theory. In Year 3, children expand their experiences to study a broader range of art forms, artists and genres. They also begin to study art from specific and diverse periods of history, including prehistoric pottery and Roman mosaics. Other genres studied in Year 3 build on previous techniques learned in Key Stage 1 and include more complex techniques in printmaking, drawing, painting and textiles. In Year 4, children develop more specialised techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. They explore ways in which ancient cultures have influenced art and crafts by studying, for example, medieval weaving techniques and the religious significance of Islamic art.

Upper Key Stage 2

In Upper Key Stage 2, each autumn term begins with the colour project Tints, Tones and Shades. Teaching these projects in Years 5 and 6 enables children to build on their previous understanding of colour theory and develop further expertise with colour by studying tonal variations and more complex colour charts. In Year 5, children develop and combine more complex artistic techniques in a range of genres, including drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Children continue to build on their understanding of other historical periods and cultures by studying the ancient Chinese art form of taotie and the significance of the Expressionist movement. In Year 6, children are encouraged to work more independently in projects like Environmental Artists and Distortion and Abstraction. Such projects require them to consider more conceptual representations of personal, environmental, social or political messaging. Children explore diversity in art by studying the projects Inuit and Trailblazers, Barrier Breakers.