Intent
At Gilesgate Primary School we aim to provide pupils with the skills, concepts and knowledge necessary for them to express responses to ideas and experiences in a visual or tactile form. Art and design lessons aim to inspire creativity and provide a means for personal expression.
As pupils progress through school, they should begin to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. They should become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. They will learn to evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design. Children will know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. Ultimately, our aim is help children to develop a passion for art and design that they can take with them into their adult lives. They will leave our school as confident and capable young artists!
Implementation
At Gilesgate Primary School Art and Design begins in the EYFS where our children have access to art and design activities which are built into the everyday provision as well as explicit art instruction. From Years one to six it is taught 3 times per year, once each term and alternates with DT. We have a skills progression map which outlines the skills and techniques each year group will teach in each strand of art over the year (e.g. drawing, collage, printing, texture…). It also outlines the artists and designers that children will study to ensure that we have a wide range from different cultures, time periods, genders and styles. This allows children to build upon prior learning. Our medium-term planning sets out what the children must do, know and remember in each unit of art. It also provides information for the teacher about what prior and subsequent learning looks like in order that they are fully aware of where their unit sits in the long-term journey of the child through the art curriculum. The skills progression document and the medium-term plans can all be found on the school SharePoint system and the website.
Our EYFS policy sets out how Art and Design is taught and assessed in the Early Years. It sets out the skills and expectations linked to Physical Development and Expressive Arts and Design for Two Year Olds, Nursery and Reception. It explains how playing & exploring, active learning and thinking creatively and critically will help to develop the young artist as part of the wider curriculum in EYFS.
Formative assessments in art and design take place whilst observing children working during lessons. The Medium-term plans also contain key questions that the teacher should ask in order to make a judgement about the learning that has taken place as well as providing information about potential support or extension that may be required. Sketchbooks are used from Years one to six to form a part of the evidence we collect in order to make a judgement about attainment in art. The art and design subject leader monitors standards of children’s work.
Impact
Our art curriculum has been designed to ensure that children gain substantive knowledge as a foundation and disciplinary knowledge to apply what they have learned in a wider context. The impact of this curriculum will lead to outstanding progress over time across key stages relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Gilesgate Primary School reaching at least age-related expectations for Art and Design. Our Art and Design curriculum will also lead pupils to be enthusiastic Art and Design learners, evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their final pieces and sketchbooks. Achievements are celebrated in classroom and corridor displays as well as in sketchbooks. By building in increasing connections with local galleries, artists and crafts people, we aim to develop our future artists and their appreciation of the art around them.