Art Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Alpha we teach art to enable our pupils to:

• 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
• learn about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. 

All small children believe they are artists, but at some point many children become very self-critical and lose the confidence to express themselves through art.  An important part of our art lessons is encouraging children to find that self-belief again, and to celebrate their creativity.

Implementation

Each class has a timetabled double lesson of Art and Design or Craft Design and Technology each week, following a curriculum which provides for a progression of skills and knowledge.  Each term, pupils study drawing and painting, along with 3D work, textiles, collage or printmaking, thus ensuring a broad and balanced range of experiences during the year.  In addition, each class studies the work of selected artists, both classic and modern and of different ethnicities, and looks at art from non-Eurocentric cultures. From Year 3 upwards, the children have sketchbooks for collecting ideas and materials and saving samples of work.

Cross-curricular links are made between art and other subjects, enhancing the pupils’ learning across the curriculum.

Art is always on display around the school, whether as individual work or as part of collaborative displays.  We have regular art competitions in school and encourage the children to participate in external competitions and events as well.

We always look forward to welcoming visiting artists into school and to making our own visits to galleries and museums.

Impact

We focus on progression of knowledge and skills, including vocabulary, through a well-planned and well-delivered curriculum.  Displayed artwork is an important part of the appearance and atmosphere of classrooms and shared spaces within school.

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

• Assessing children’s understanding of topic linked vocabulary before and after the unit is taught.
• Summative assessment of work through pupil discussions about their learning and evaluation of pieces of work.
• Recordings and photos of the children’s work – both in process and the final product
• The children’s pleasure in their own creativity and that of others.

We are now able to start visiting art galleries and installations again; the children’ positive and enthusiastic reaction to these trips reinforces the value and impact of access to real art and real artists.