The Grove Primary School

Art and Design Curriculum Statement

Intent

Our vision for The Grove Primary School is one of high standards, achieved through the creative aspects of the curriculum. We believe art should enable the children to communicate what they see, feel and think. Children should experiment with their ideas, their use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes. We place emphasis on the use of first-hand experience, experimentation and development of ideas and skills based on a wide range of stimuli. Children in both key stages have sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit their ideas. They also learn about the work of great artists, craft makers and designers early on, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines and making links to their own work.  In KS2 children improve their mastery of art and design techniques through drawing, painting and sculpture, using a range of materials like pencil, charcoal, paint and clay.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Art and Design, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Art and Design is taught as part of a termly topic, focusing on knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum.

The Art and Design coverage at The Grove Primary School is based upon the 2014 Primary National Curriculum in England, which provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills taught in each Key Stage. The skills and knowledge taught is progressive from year group to year group.

In order for our children to develop an appreciation and respect for the work of others, we learn about different artists which we call ‘Artist of the Term’. Each year group spends an Art lesson looking at the work of influential artists like Andy Goldsworthy, Wassily Kadinsky and Georgia O’Keeffe. Children are given the opportunity to create a piece of art in the style of that artist.

Our popular Art and Design after school club give even more opportunities for children to get creative and shine. During the year, children have the opportunity to take part in local art competitions and shared school curriculum enrichment activities. 

Impact

At The Grove Primary School, we believe that Art should enable our children to communicate what they see, feel and think. Children should experiment with their ideas, their use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes. Self-evaluation of work is encouraged and children are taught how to be resilient to achieve their goals. We use sketchbooks to record experience and imagination, to help the children develop their ideas and to show progression in their artistic ability.

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

• Images and videos of the children’s practical learning
• Interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
• Sketch books
• Moderation staff meetings where pupil’s books are scrutinised and there is the opportunity for a dialogue between teachers to understand their class’s work.
• Annual reporting of standards across the curriculum.

“Every child is an artist” - Pablo Picasso