Intention
At Ellingham VC and Woodton Primary Federation, we strive to create an Art curriculum that engages and inspires children to express their individual creativity and to produce their own works of art.
Creativity is encouraged from the very beginning of our children’s school experience. Within EYFS, children are immersed in art in a child-initiated way, through Expressive Arts and Design. Across Years 1 to 6, children are provided with opportunities to experience a variety of media and techniques and are educated upon influential artists and craft makers from around the world, both past and present. Within Key Stage 2, our Art curriculum aims to equip children with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices, think critically of their own artwork and that of others, and to work with increased independence. We also create an ethos of not being afraid to make ‘mistakes,’ but instead, for children to be risk-takers, problem solvers and to develop resilience.
Implementation
We follow the Kapow Art and design scheme of work which fulfils the statutory requirements outlined in the National Curriculum (2014). The National Curriculum for Art and design aims to
ensure that all pupils:
- 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.
From these aims, four core strands were identified which run through the scheme. These are:
Drawing
Exploring mark-making in all its forms, experimenting with line, tone and texture and using a wide range of materials to express ideas as drawings. Using sketchbooks to record observations about the world as drawings. Learning how drawing is used by artists to develop and communicate their ideas creatively.
Painting and mixed media
Developing proficiency in painting techniques (including exploring colour mixing), painting on a range of surfaces and applying drawing skills to painting projects. Using sketchbooks to practise painting methods and exploring between different media within a piece of artwork.
Sculpture and 3D
Constructing and creating models with a wide variety of materials, investigating ways to express ideas in three dimensions. Developing the ability to adapt ideas and designs in sketchbooks, moving from two dimensions into sculpture.
Craft and design
Producing a wide range of creative work, becoming proficient in a range of making processes. Building on skills in photography, printmaking, textile art and digital media, and exploring design disciplines such as architecture and product design.
Within these strands, concepts are revisited and reinforced throughout, building a secure knowledge as the unit develops. Evidence of this sequential learning and progression can be found below in our Curriculum Overview and Progression of Skills document.
SEND
We pride ourselves on providing learning opportunities that are accessible and ambitious for all learners, enabling all children to make progress and have a sense of achievement. We achieve this through sequential planning, allowing skills to be scaffolded and adapted as appropriate.
Impact
The impact of the Kapow Art and design scheme of work will be monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Within art, formative assessment occurs throughout the learning process, through conversations with children. Progress can also be demonstrated through the use of sketchbooks to record ideas, reflections, analysis of artists and development of technical skills.