INTENT

St Alban’s high-quality art and design education intends to 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. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding and appreciation of art. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

IMPLEMENTATION

We use the Kapow Scheme for Art and Design and teach a different unit each term. Each unit will be covering one of the four strands: drawing, painting, sculpture/3D or craft/design. Each of these strands will be covered at least once in EYFS, KS1, LKS2 and UKS2. Within each unit we will be learning about a specific artist linked to the strand we are exploring. Each unit offers the opportunity to develop practical knowledge and skills, theoretical knowledge of different cultures, artists and context and disciplinary knowledge – the dialogue, encounter and appreciation of art.

In Key Stage 1

Our pupils have the opportunity to:

• Use a range of materials creatively, to design and make products;
• Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination;
• Develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space;
• Learn about the work of a range of artists, makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, making links to their own work.

In Key Stage 2

Our pupils have the opportunity to:

• Develop their techniques, including their control and use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
• Use sketchbooks to record their observations and enable them to review and revisit ideas.
• Improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture using a range of materials.
• Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history.

IMPACT

Following the National Curriculum for Art and Design pupils will:

• Learn to produce creative work, explore their ideas and record 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 artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms;
• Enjoy learning through Art and Design.

Art at St Alban’s

Educational visits are linked to art and develop the children’s broader learning experiences, for example; Year 2 beach trip to Thurstaston leads to observational still life studies using crayon and ink wash. Year 6 visit to the Stockport Air Raid Shelter, inspires a 3D air raid shelter model project.

Progression of art is achieved through continued exploration of practical activities appropriate to a child’s age and based on their previous experiences, building on existing knowledge and skills. We also relate Art to other aspects of the curriculum where possible, especially in RE, History, Geography, PE and Dance.

Art may be delivered through cross-curricular themes and topics, but mainly as a subject in its own right. Demonstrations by the teacher or by other children are used.  A variety of equipment, tools and techniques are used to nurture talents, building confidence through praise and celebration, based on the foundation that a child’s creative personal interpretation is valued highly.  Displaying children’s work is seen as a means of celebration and appears in our Friday Celebration assemblies and in school newsletters.

An art club runs every half term for a different year group and over the years we have completed lots of wonderful projects.

Art should be an enjoyable activity where creativity and imagination develop.  It involves children studying the work of other artists and craftspeople and helps to build an appreciation of their own and other cultures.