Intent

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. (National Curriculum, 2014).

While essentially a practical subject, art also provides opportunities for reflection and for pupils to acquire the ability to make informed, critical responses to their own work and that of others. Through deeper understanding, pupils can also gain access to cultural richness and diversity.

The appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts enriches all our lives.

‘All children are artists’ (Pablo Picasso)

Implementation

At Rushwick School Art and Design is usually taught through a topic approach, often inspired by what we are studying in Science, History or Geography. Our planning is still based on the National Curriculum outcomes, with an emphasis on the progression of skills. We aim:

• To provide an imaginative and co-ordinated art programme which will foster enthusiasm for Art and Design.
• To foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts and a knowledge of artists, craftspeople and designers, through links with the local and wider multicultural community.
• To stimulate children’s creativity and imagination by providing visual, tactile and sensory experiences.
• To help children explore the world at first hand, using all their senses and experimentation, and in doing so gain knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live.
• To develop children’s understanding of colour, form, texture, pattern and their ability to use materials and processes to communicate ideas, feelings and meanings.
• To inspire confidence and pleasure in art.
• To cultivate children’s aesthetic awareness and enable them to make informed and sensitive judgements about art.
• To teach children to express their own ideas, feelings, thoughts and experiences.
• To develop children’s design capability.

Impact

Throughout their learning journey in Art and Design, children are encouraged to draw inspiration from other subjects. They are also encouraged to compare what they have experienced in previous years and to make connections.  Each year, the group builds on specific vocabulary taught, which enables them to talk about their learning accurately and with confidence.