Subject Rationale

It is important that we deliver abroad curriculum, which gives children the opportunity to explore different skills, knowledge and understanding and learn about areas that they have interest or abilities in.  Art is one such area.  It is an important subject, which enables children to explore all of the key curriculum drivers we have identified as underpinning the curriculum we offer.

These are:

The Wilfred Owen Art and Design curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils develop the following essential characteristics:

• The ability to use visual language and awareness skillfully and convincingly (for example, line, shape, pattern, colour, texture, form) to express emotions, interpret observations.

• convey insights and accentuate their individuality.
• The ability to communicate fluently in visual and tactile form, becoming proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
• The ability to draw confidently and adventurously from observation, memory and imagination, producing creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
• The ability to explore and invent marks, develop and deconstruct ideas and communicate perceptively and powerfully through purposeful drawing in 2D, 3D or digital media.
• Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
• The ability to think and act creatively by using their knowledge and understanding to inform, inspire and interpret ideas, observations and feelings.
• Independence, initiative and originality which they can use to develop their creativity.
• The ability to select and use materials, processes and techniques skillfully to realise intentions and capitalise on the unexpected.
• The ability to reflect on, analyse and critically evaluate their own work and that of others, using the language of art, craft and design.
• A passion for and a commitment to the subject.

This is based on the use of the Chris Quigley Milestones and National Curriculum aims.

Subject Intent

Art is a broad area of study and we want to give children opportunities to use a wide range of styles and resources to produce their work. 

Children will be taught to work with various mediums and master techniques including:

• fine-motor control
• observational skills
• appreciation of the use of colour, texture, line and form

Children explore the work of artists, designers, craft-makers from other cultures and times which in turn enables them to look with interest and understanding at a variety of creative expression in 2D and 3D forms.

In art sessions, we want children to express their interpretations of a design brief, exploring work of other artists and working creatively, using similar skills and techniques. 

It is not our intention that a class should produce 30 carbon copies of an artist’s work.  By doing so, we are not allowing the children to express their own creativity or develop the skills and processes required to produce an individual piece of artwork.  When looking at the work of an artist we are asking the children to consider the techniques used to produce the piece and develop these techniques in producing their own version of the artist style, potentially using different materials, media and techniques.

Linked to our long term plan, we have identified key techniques and a range of Artists that the children will study.  It is our intention to expose children to a wide range of art genres and periods.  Children should be able to talk about the work of significant artists over time and consider the impact they have had on art today.

Expressive Art and design in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) art is taught as an integral part of the topic work covered during the year, as well as developing basic skills. Aspects of art within the children’s work is related to the objectives set out in the Early Learning Goals (ELGs), which underpin the curriculum planning for children aged three to five. Art makes a significant contribution to the creative development of the child by allowing them to explore colour, texture, shape, form and space, responding to what they see, touch and feel, and express their ideas by using a widening range of materials and tools. It further supports the other areas of the curriculum through the choices the children make and the exploration and language.

Subject Implementation

Art and Design will be taught in a variety of ways depending upon the unit of work that is being covered. Occasionally units will be best delivered in weekly sessions, but sometimes work will be blocked so that resources and creations can be used continuously and work completed in a timely manner. Art is taught depending on the focus for the term; to allow for consistent and effective learning. The time allocated is to Art depends on the specific skills being covered. A variety of teaching and learning styles are used in Art and Design to accommodate all children.

As far as possible, units of work will be linked to other subjects being studied at the time. If this is not possible or appropriate, then necessary skills will lead the learning undertaken.

Learning in Art and Design will be skills lead, allowing all children to participate fully and work towards their full potential. Creativity, imagination, teamwork and co-operative learning will form the basis of all investigative and original work. 

Teachers of KS1, lower KS2 and upper KS2 classes plan together, ensuring all skills have been covered for their specific themes.

Art teaching focuses on the development of Art and Design skills, knowledge and understanding. We aim to promote investigating and making, this includes exploring and developing ideas. Encouraging the children to evaluate and refine their ideas by working collaboratively to give reflective responses to their own and each other’s work, ensures

children develop visual and tactile awareness.

Children are also given opportunities to work alongside art professionals and local craft workers. Visits will be organised to galleries, art installations and museums, which will further develop cultural capital and give opportunities to visit places that children otherwise would be unable to visit. It is important through these visits that children can experience the awe ad wonder of large-scale artworks and the impact art has on the environment it is displayed in.  Art history is rich within our locality, with sculptures throughout the county, galleries such as Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, the Visual Art Network and The Bear Steps Gallery; workshops such as The British Iron Works and historical sites such as Jackfield tile museum.

We have worked with local artists like Michelle Luter, to produce large scale canvas works. (https://www.michelleluterdesigns.co.uk/)  

Currently, we are developing the use of a sketch book as a tool for children to explore, develop skills, plan out work and experiment with line, tone, colour and form.  Sketch books need to show progression in skills across school and give the children an opportunity to look back at previous work with different styles and medium to apply to current work.

It is important that children see that everyone is an artist and that there is no such things as ‘not being good at Art’.  By developing their creativity and curiosity, everyone can produce a piece of artwork.  There are positives in every piece that is produced and children need to refine and develop these aspects to further improve their work.

Subject Impact

Units of work are initially planned in Long term (termly) planning, and then in detail in medium term planning.

A tracking grid, linked to the milestones / objectives for the unit will be used to show whether a child is Working Towards (WTS), Expected (EXS) or Greater Depth (GDS). This information is tracked by class teachers to ensure children achieve to their full potential.

Sketch books will move with the child into their new class each year.  This should then give a clear evidence base for how the child’s abilities and grasp of techniques has developed and progressed over time.

Our moderation and monitoring timetable will include opportunities for subject leaders to review planning, sketch books and displays around school to ensure there is progression in art work and that pitch and expectations are consistent with the age and stage of learning each class is at.

Take a look at some of the excellent links below:

National Gallery of Art – Children’s Page
Examples of outstanding pieces of art completed by other children. Also a platform for ideas for your own art projects.

Drawing with shapes
A wonderful online site that has tools similar to ‘paint’.

Crayola Online
Here you can play fun games and print off your own resources.

Activity Village
Free printable resources for all occasions. Greetings cards, colouring pages and craft ideas.

Explore Your Perspective!
Interactive site to help with the conception of perspective.

Mr Picasso Head
Create your very own Picasso style portrait.

Food Faces
Make your own face out of food.