Art and Design

Intent

‘Every human is an artist’ Don Miguel Ruiz

At our school, we believe that art is a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum, enabling children to express themselves creatively, develop their imagination, and build confidence in their own ideas. Our art curriculum is designed to inspire, engage, and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent, and create their own works of art. Through exploring a wide range of artistic styles, techniques, and materials, children develop their proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other creative forms. All children use a personal sketchbook, providing them with the space to practise mark-making and observational skills, gradually building their visual vocabulary.

From their early experiences in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where children are encouraged to experiment with various media and materials, to the progressive development of specific skills and artistic concepts throughout their time at the school.

We ensure that children have the opportunity to study significant artists, designers, and craft makers from different times and cultures, broadening their understanding of art’s impact on the world. By developing their ability to critically evaluate their own and others’ work, children learn to reflect, adapt, and refine their ideas. Art also plays an important role in supporting well-being, encouraging self-expression, and fostering a sense of achievement. Through our progressive curriculum, we aim for all pupils to leave our school with a deep appreciation of the visual arts, a strong foundation of skills, and the confidence to continue their creative journey beyond primary school.

Above all, the teaching of art at Sidlesham Primary School is infused with enthusiasm, passion, and a genuine love for creativity and expression.

Curriculum Aims

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.

Implementation

How is this subject planned?

The National Curriculum is taught in KS1 and KS2.
In the Early Years the Foundation Stage Curriculum is taught.
Long term planning for each class shows the progression of skills and areas of study.

How is this subject taught?

Art and design is taught in half termly blocked units and where appropriate linked to other areas of the curriculum
Progressive skills are taught within units.
In the early years, opportunities to use art and design as a means to explore individual creative development are delivered regularly.
Sketch books are used from EYFS to 6.
Children are taught how to evaluate their own and other’s work. They are also given opportunities to discuss and evaluate famous artists and styles, past and present.
Where possible, opportunities are provided to partake in art events outside of school i.e. workshops, visits and competitions or to invite artists and craft makers into school.

Impact

How is this subject assessed?

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the content, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study. Teachers make assessments accordingly.
Assessment of Art and Design is reported to parents in the annual report.

How is this subject monitored?

This subject is in focus once every three years. When in focus, an action plan is created to develop the subject. This is monitored by governors on the curriculum committee.
The subject leader is responsible for monitoring the planning, teaching and assessment of the subject. This is achieved through subject review staff meetings where learning and planning is shared and compared to skills progressions.