Art

Intent

At Prior Heath, we value Art and Design as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. We aim to promote confidence and enjoyment in: communicating, developing the imagination, creativity, expression and observing and recording.  As a school we recognise that Art and Design activities can contribute to children’s wellbeing by allowing children opportunities for mindfulness and stress relief.

Through our curriculum we aim to foster an appreciation of the work of famous artists, designers and craft makers and that of other children. We teach the children specific skills in drawing, painting, print making, textiles and 3D work. There are opportunities for our pupils to develop and extend their skills and express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas.

During their time at Prior Heath Infants, the children have an opportunity to showcase and celebrate their artwork, through a school exhibition.

Implementation

The teaching of the Art and Design curriculum at Prior Heath is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the National Curriculum and is linked to topics to ensure a well-structured approach to this creative subject. Our long term overview demonstrates a series of units for each year group and outlines the progression of skills. Specific vocabulary is used as part of the teaching and learning of each unit to broaden the children’s knowledge. As part of the curriculum, the children are given opportunities to utilise our wonderful school grounds and experience working with visiting artists.

Each year group has a planning document with individual themed units outlined in detail. This ensures adequate skills coverage and a logical sequence of lessons. The needs of individual learners are met through appropriate differentiation.

Impact

All children at Prior Heath will have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. Children will be able to express themselves creatively and will take pleasure from producing their own artwork. By the end of KS1, pupils will have developed a range of skills, knowledge and vocabulary in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and National Curriculum. Progress will be measured through the work that the children have produced and opportunities for teachers and the Art and Design Leader to talk to the children.

The Progression of Skills for Art from Reception to Year 2 can be found here. (PDF, 277.15 kB)