Art and Design

Introduction

Acquisition of sight precedes language. In a tangible sense visual engagement with the world situates us and defines who we are. At Elmridge, we aim to encourage and enable a high quality exploration of the visual arts. Art is a central element in our core values and mission:

 “Unlocking potential, inspiring success, celebrating diversity”

Everything in our world must be designed, and each design starts with a vision, a sketch, a model or image. Equipping all our pupils with vital art and design skills will enable them to create and shape the world of tomorrow.

The Art curriculum at Elmridge enables children to develop their knowledge of techniques, media and styles alongside their knowledge of artists, designers and craftspeople. Children develop their artistic skills and understanding of key concepts of line, colour, form, texture and tone. Pupils at Elmridge have opportunities to use their learning in art in other curriculum areas as well as take part in dedicated Art days and whole school projects, working individually as well as collaboratively. Pupils are explorative learners undertaking an open ended journey through exciting activities which motivate and engage. Art at Elmridge enables children to express themselves creatively, build progression in skills and techniques and develop an appreciation for art to understand how it can reflect the world in which it was created.

National Curriculum

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils by the end of year 6:

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

Key Stage 1 National Curriculum Expectations

Pupils should be taught:

• to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products;
• to use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop  and  share  their  ideas,  experiences and imagination;
• to develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space;
• 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 National Curriculum Expectations

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils by the end of year 6:

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences;
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques;
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design;
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

Intent

Our intent is to offer a skills rich curriculum to our pupils, where work is creative and imaginative and lessons are not outcome led.  The intent is to ensure all pupils produce creative, imaginative work in a process that embraces risk taking and challenges their perspectives. Children have the opportunity to explore their ideas and record their experiences. They will explore key concepts of line, colour, form, texture and tone and work with a variety of materials and processes to develop their artistic skills. They will also explore the work of others, including famous artists, designers and craftsmen, and evaluate ideas and processes as well as developing an understanding of how art shapes, and has been shaped, by the world around us. Children will become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting, as well as other skills such as collage, printing, textiles and photography.

Lessons will be planned to offer skills progression and knowledge progression and will embrace reflection of ideas and practices. The lessons will offer the chance for children to develop their emotional expression through art to further enhance their personal, social and emotional development as well as their understanding of art as a subjective medium.

Implementation

Each key stage focuses on different themes to ensure continued interest in the subject as well as acquiring new knowledge. It also allows for repetition and development of skills and mediums recognizing that learning in art is not always a linear progression of skills. Lessons should develop techniques, including control, use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design. Children should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Impact

Art and design is a creative process enjoyed by pupils. Teachers have high expectations and a focus on development of knowledge and skills rather than an expected outcome is emphasized. Children will be able to use technical vocabulary accurately and pupils will develop their control and mastery of materials, skills and processes. Children use art and design as a way of understanding the world and as a tool for reflecting the world. Children will become more confident in analyzing and assessing their own work and giving their opinion on their own and other works of art. Children develop their resilience and perseverance by evaluating and improving their skills and their techniques. All children in school will speak confidently about their art and design work and their skills and will use their sketchbooks as a place for exploration, development and reflection.

Art in Action