“Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself

has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot

waste this talent, but must develop it."

Pope John Paull II
                                                                                                                                                                                  

There is a programme of study for Art and Design in place from Foundation Stage through to Year 6 that is taught through our Cornerstones Curriculum. Planning is cross curricular and creative, art projects may be linked to a class topic to enhance the pupils’ understanding of the key historical or geographical concepts covered. Where appropriate, Art and Design projects may also be linked to a community or cultural issue to engage our artists in the world around them and to help them understand the role that they play as an individual.

We value the progress and fulfilment of our pupils across the arts curriculum: art, design and technology (DT), dance and music. Children express themselves through the arts and explore learning in a dynamic way. They are encouraged to make mistakes, persevere and not give up. In turn, this creates independent learners that thrive in later years. Topic work opens opportunities for learning the arts through a range of subjects, whilst still building on progressive skills. In the arts, the possibilities are endless and being individually creative is always encouraged.

Statement of Intent

At St Mary's Catholic Primary School, we value Art and Design as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Art and Design provides the children with the opportunities to develop and extend skills and an opportunity to express their individual interests, thought and ideas. 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. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. 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

There is a programme of study for Art and Design in place from Foundation Stage through to Year 6 that is taught through our Cornerstones Curriculum. Planning is cross curricular and creative, art projects may be linked to a class topic to enhance the pupils’ understanding of the key historical or geographical concepts covered. Where appropriate, Art and Design projects may also be linked to a community or cultural issue to engage our artists in the world around them and to help them understand the role that they play as an individual. Teachers will plan to ensure full coverage of the skills relating to the Art and Design curriculum for that year group throughout the years.

Pupils are guided by teachers but have some freedom to be creative with the materials used in the topic and have opportunities to discuss and critique each other’s work in order to develop it further.

Impact

Art and design learning is enjoyed by teachers and pupils across school. They are always keen to learn new skills and work hard to perfect those shown to them. Teachers have high expectations and quality evidence can be presented in a variety of ways. The children’s art is cross-curricular, and helps them to express feelings and emotions in art, as well as show their knowledge and understanding in humanities. All children use technical vocabulary accurately and pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified. Children will become more confident in analysing their work and giving their opinion on their own and other works of art. Children show competences in improving their resilience and perseverance by continually evaluating and improving their work. Classroom displays reflect the children’s sense of pride in their artwork and this is also demonstrated by creative outcomes across the wider curriculum.