Curriculum Art

At St James’ Catholic Primary School, we regard art as an important subject because it can: heighten children’s perceptions of the world; can contribute to their cultural understanding and for some; bring fulfilment to their everyday lives. Our main aim is to help children find enjoyment through their artistic experiences as they experiment with a range of media, styles and techniques. We also aim to use art to help children have a positive self-image; filling them with confidence and self-worth. The art curriculum at St James’ has been designed to heighten interest and curiosity and help children appreciate a wide range of artists and their works of art. It will also teach them how to use a range of materials and techniques creatively and competently. Throughout the Key Stages, the children will be taught to develop their observation and descriptive skills giving them a more thorough understanding of their surroundings. It is widely known that art is a medium that can help individuals express ideas and feelings which enhances their personal, social and emotional journeys. For this reason, the art curriculum at St James’ will encourage children to create expressive and creative pieces of work in two and three dimensions reflecting on issues, concepts and ideas that are important to them. Throughout each topic, the children will be taught to value and respect their work and the work of others, discussing and evaluating different creative ideas with appropriate vocabulary and terminology.

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in art, we have tracked the progression of skills throughout each phase.

EYFS

Art is taught in EYFS as part of a creative curriculum through child-initiated and adult led activities. The children are given the opportunity to safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. The children will also be given the opportunity to use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about uses and purposes. They will be given the opportunity to represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through art and other arts such as music, dance, role play and stories.

 Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1 pupils will learn how to use a range of materials and techniques to create artwork. They will also learn how to share their ideas, experiences and imagination through drawing, painting, sculpture, printing and textiles. Each art lesson has been designed to develop children’s use of colour, pattern, texture, line, shape and form and space. The children will also explore the work of artists, craft makers and designers;  describing the differences and similarities between them.

 Key Stage 2

During Key Stage 2, children will develop their knowledge and skills of art and design. To enhance their art-work, they will be taught how to use sketch books to record their observations and how to use them to review and revisit their ideas. Throughout this Key Stage, the art curriculum will encourage children to use their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials such as pencil, charcoal, paint, clay and ink. They will also explore the work of great artists, architects and designers from a range of periods in history and across cultures.

The impact of our art and design curriculum can be seen not only in our children’s sketch books but also through classroom displays and the school environment. Each and everything we do at St James is with the child in mind, and strong relationships are built between pupils and staff which create an atmosphere for learning which is conducive to success.

We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

• Summative assessment of pupil discussions about their learning.
• Images of the children’s practical learning.
• Interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
• Pupil’s books are scrutinised and there is the opportunity for a dialogue between teachers to understand their class’s work.
• Annual reporting of standards across the curriculum.
• Marking of work in books.

Children in Foundation Stage are assessed within expressive art and design and their progress is tracked termly.

This will be populated soon.