Our art curriculum opens up a window for children to experience other cultures and the wider world.
At East-the-Water Primary School, we strongly believe that Art and Design provides an essential role in the education of a well-rounded child. Through the study of art we want to engage, inspire and challenge pupils by introducing them to a wide range of techniques, materials and artists. We strive to equip them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, explore, take risks, invent and create. We believe that through the study of art pupils can explore their own identity as well as being curious. Through carefully sequenced teaching, pupils build knowledge of materials, processes and artistic vocabulary over time, so that they can think critically, selecting creative elements to produce individual high-quality outcomes. Studying art at East-the-Water Primary School provides an opportunity for pupils to learn respect, to gain an understanding of other cultures and the historical importance of art. Most importantly, we want them to foster a positive, life-long relationship with the subject and embody the truth that every child is an artist.
The art curriculum is planned progressively from EYFS to Year 6 so that pupils revisit and build on prior learning over time. Across each phase, pupils develop their knowledge and mastery in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design disciplines. They learn to use materials and tools with increasing control, to understand and apply the formal elements of art such as line, shape, colour, tone, texture, pattern, form and space, and to make informed creative decisions. Projects are informed by high-quality resources, including AccessArt, but are selected and adapted to ensure that the planned curriculum matches our progression document and the needs of our pupils. Each teaching sequence identifies the key knowledge, vocabulary and practical outcomes pupils will learn, practise and remember. Final outcomes are important, but they sit within a broader learning journey in which pupils observe, practise, experiment, refine and evaluate their work.
Sketch books follow the pupils on their progress through the year groups. This provides them with a clear sense of where they have come from in terms of their artistic journey and to reflect on their developing skills.
Sketchbooks enhance pupils learning by:
- Being a safe space to develop skills and ideas
- Developing critical thinking skills
- Showing progression over time in knowledge, vocabulary and technique
- Gathering inspiration and reference material
- Exploring, testing and comparing materials
- Developing techniques and skills
- Evaluating and reviewing their own and others works of art
By the time pupils leave East-the-Water Primary School, we expect them to:
- Acquire a life-long appreciation, enjoyment and love of art beyond school.
- Show positive attitudes to art and confidence in their own creative identity.
- Demonstrate awareness of art and design across the curriculum and the wider world.
- Demonstrate their pride and the high status of art through use of sketchbooks, displays and exhibitions.
- Develop personal qualities including: perseverance, independent thinking, self-confidence and co-operation through art and design
- Develop aesthetic appreciation of the nature and function of art forms
- Develop perceptual skills to comprehend and respond thoughtfully to the visual world
Each year, our pupils have the exciting opportunity to showcase their artwork in a special exhibition held in the school hall. This event celebrates their creativity and gives their work a real purpose. It also helps children develop an understanding of what it means to be an artist, as they reflect on their creations, talk about their ideas, and share their artistic journey with others.
