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Art and Design

“Every child is an artist!" – Pablo Picasso                                          

At St Andrew’s Primary School, we equip our pupils with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they are encouraged to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. We want them to appreciate how art and design reflects and shapes our history, and contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation and other nations across the world.

What does out approach to Art look like in the classroom?

Our Art and Design curriculum from EYFS to year 6, provides a clear and comprehensive scheme of work, delivered through Cornerstones projects, that shows a progression of skills, knowledge and understanding which inspires creativity and supports and challenges all learners.

In the EYFS, pupils explore, use and refine a variety of artistic techniques to express their feelings and ideas. Alongside specific skill-based teaching, continuous provision gives pupils access to all resources and opportunities, allowing them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding at their own pace and interest.

Pupils in KS1 are taught to be imaginative, expressive and creative developing their art, craft and design skills as part of a continuous learning process. Sketchbooks are introduced and they learn how to use a range of drawing, painting and sculpture techniques to explore colour, pattern, texture, line, shape and form. Pupils are exposed to a range of artists work and encouraged to describe similarities and differences and make links to their own work.

In Keys Stage 2 Pupils are taught to develop and improve their mastery of techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design. They use sketch books to record their observations, to review and revisit ideas using the language of art, craft and design. Pupils learn about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

How do we measure success in Art?

Through Cornerstones planned progression of artistic skills, knowledge and understanding, pupils are able to develop and build on their mastery of the art and design process. At the end of each project, pupils have the opportunity to complete an ‘innovate challenge’, either independently or with others, to apply the skills and knowledge explored in that unit. Teachers are then able to observe how successfully pupils can use, apply and problem solve in creative and imaginative ways.

Evidence of impact is gathered and monitored through a variety of methods.

  • Class observation of teaching and learning
  • Gathering of pupil voice data
  • Sketchbook looks to show the art and design process
  • Whole school portfolios of work
  • Displays