Intent – what do we want to achieve?

A high-quality art and design education 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.  We aim for our children to be able to think critically and develop an understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design are linked to history and culture, not only of our country, but also countries and cultures around the world. Our aim is for children to aspire to become the artists, creators and designers of the future.

Implementation – how will we achieve this?

The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design curriculum at the KT Federation is based on the National Curriculum and linked to topics to ensure a well-structured approach to teaching. Our art and design curriculum shows progression of knowledge, skills and key vocabulary, with ‘flashback’s to prior learning highlighted.

This all begins In the EYFS when children 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 textures, colour, media and materials, developing their understanding of them in order to create different effects. Children are encouraged to work independently and express their own ideas, exploring colour and developing skills to use simple tools and techniques.

In KS1 children are 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, across a range of cultures, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work.

In KS2 children 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.
• To create sketches to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas
• 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]
• About great artists and designers in history and from a range of cultures.

Impact – what will be the impact on learning?

Children will be confident and independent artists and designers. We do not want our art & design curriculum to focus solely on the finished product, but also on the process.  We do not want any of our children to impose their own barriers to learning such as “I can’t draw”, or “I’m not artistic”. We celebrate and showcase the creativity of all children in order to promote a sense of well-being and build self-esteem. 

Children will be encouraged to self and peer assess – with this process used as a tool to build confidence and develop evaluation in a safe environment. Teaching staff will also use feedback to develop children’s knowledge and skills, whilst assessing individual’s work. Outcomes will be seen in topic books, sketchbooks, through work on display and from photographic evidence.

The Art and Design subject lead attends CPD and supports teaching staff.