Purpose of Study 

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. 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. As pupils progress, they should be able 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.

Source: National Curriculum, 2014

Intent

Our intent is that our teaching of art will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of art and artists locally, nationally and globally, from both the past and present. This will build respect, appreciation and pride in personal and wider capacities. We aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity about art and artists and help develop a sense of risk-taking and creativity. Children will ask perceptive questions, think critically, explore techniques and investigate a variety of media to develop skills and knowledge in 2D and 3D forms. Through the teaching of Art, we endeavour to teach pupils to understand the creative process and the freedom and choices it offers.

In terms of the specific arts curriculum, our intent is that:

• We celebrate the Cultural Capital Intent above. Pupils are taught Art in a coherent, structured and enriched approach, enabling progression, learning of skills and a sense of achievement that can be applied to other subjects.
• The curriculum is designed with the intention that every pupil can reach their potential in art.
• Activities and visits involving visitors and community links are planned to allow our pupils to be proud and have a sense of belonging in their local area.
• Pupils gain more knowledge and skills by exploring and experimenting with techniques and media influenced by other artists, including local artists.
• Where possible, art is promoted through the celebration of anniversaries, festivals and events throughout the year which are linked with other areas of the curriculum.
• Pupils will learn lessons from art to influence the decisions they make in their lives in the future, supporting the school’s overall focus on enabling them to become responsible citizens.
• High-quality art lessons will inspire pupils to want to know more about art and to think and act as artists, creators, designers and makers, understanding their role in the world around them.