Art

Intent

At Barnham CEVC Primary School, we recognise that Art and Design stimulates creativity and imagination.  It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a special way of understanding and responding to the world.  It enables children of all abilities to communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes.

At Barnham, we encourage children to explore ideas and meanings through the work of a range of artists and designers.  Through learning about the roles and functions of art, they can explore the impact it has had on contemporary life and that of different times and cultures.  The appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts enriches all our lives.

We aim to ensure that all pupils:

• have the opportunity to record from first-hand experience and from imagination;
• develop opportunities to select their own ideas for use in their work;
• develop creativity and imagination through a range of complex activities;
• develop the ability to control materials, tools and techniques;
• increase their critical awareness of the roles and purposes of art and design in different times and cultures.
• develop increasing confidence in the use of visual and tactile elements and materials;
• Foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts and a knowledge of artists, craftspeople and designers.

The aims of teaching Art and Design at Barnham are:

• 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;
• to support children in thinking critically to develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design;
• to support children in understanding how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation;
• to support children in producing creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences;
• to support children in becoming proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques;
• to aid children in evaluating and analysing creative works using the language of art, craft and design;
• to teach children about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in art and design, we have implemented a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.  Art and design is taught in blocks of three lessons every half term, focusing on knowledge and skills which are underpinned by objectives from the National Curriculum.  At Barnham, we ensure that art and design is given the same importance as the core subjects as we feel this is important in enabling all children to gain real-life experiences.

Teachers plan lessons for their class using our bespoke curriculum with the use of a variety of resources to support, for example, knowledge organisers, paragraph planners and exemplars.  Teachers adapt planning to suit the needs of their class and to follow the children’s own interests.  The knowledge and skills progression documents ensure the curriculum is covered and the skills and knowledge which are taught are progressive from year group to year group.

Art and design provides excellent opportunities to enhance the learning of more able pupils through the investigations, analysing sources and writing extending pieces. Children showing extensive aptitude in art and design will be identified and supported in developing their skills.

At Barnham Primary, we provide a variety of opportunities for art and design learning inside and outside the classroom.  Wherever possible, learning will be taken outside to support the children’s understanding that art and design is all around us.  Local artists have visited the school where they have shared their expertise and supported the children in developing their artistic skills for a purpose, for example, designing our history wall for the school.