Art

Art Curriculum

Intent

At Fressingfield C of E Primary School art is an important part of our broad and balanced curriculum. It enables children to express themselves in a creative, imaginative manner. Children learn the skills of drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles, 3D work and digital art and are given the opportunity to explore and evaluate different creative ideas. They are introduced to a range of works and develop knowledge of the styles and vocabulary used by famous artists.  We believe that art is a vital part of children’s education and has a significant and valuable role in the taught curriculum, as well as the enrichment opportunities we offer to our pupils. We strive to develop children’s critical abilities and understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritages through studying a diverse range of male and female artists. Our high-quality art curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art.  The skills they acquire are applied to their cross-curricular topics, allowing children to use their art skills to reflect on and explore topics in greater depth. Pupils also learn how art and design both reflect and shape our history and contribute to the culture of our nation.

“Creativity takes courage” — Henri Matisse

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” — Pablo Picasso

Implementation

The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum at Fressingfield C of E Primary School is based on the National Curriculum and supported by the Suffolk Art Scheme plans, ensuring a well-structured approach to this creative subject. The skills and knowledge that children will develop throughout each art topic are mapped across each year group and throughout the school to ensure progression. The emphasis on knowledge ensures that children understand the context of the artwork, as well as the artists that they are learning about and being inspired by. A similar focus on skills means that children are given opportunities to express their creative imagination, as well as practise and develop mastery in the key processes of art as contained within the Suffolk Scheme of Art, specifically drawing, painting, collage, 3d sculpture, textiles and printing. Key vocabulary is explained at the start of each topic, revised and developed as the children progress through the year groups.

The work of famous local, national and international artists are explored to enhance the children’s learning, with a focus on a diverse range of artists and art styles from different cultures and backgrounds. Children are regularly presented with opportunities to work collaboratively and evaluate own and others’ work. Their work is displayed around the school and they are encouraged and supported to enter local and national art competitions.

Impact

Art assessment is ongoing to inform teachers with their planning, lesson activities and differentiation. Summative assessment is completed at the end of each unit to inform leaders of the improvements or skills that still need to be embedded. Art is monitored throughout all year groups using a variety of strategies such as lesson observations and pupil interviews.