Art and Design

“Art has the role in education of helping children become more like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” Sydney Gurewitz Clemens

Intent:

At Woodvale, our vision is 'everyone thriving' and our Art & Design curriculum aims to foster our three curriculum drivers: developing oracy, embracing cultural richness, and nurturing social intelligence. At the heart of our approach is a belief that art is not simply about creating outcomes; our intent for Art & Design is that children will:

• develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to express themselves creatively
• explore and apply a wide range of artistic techniques, materials and processes
• develop an understanding of the formal elements of art including colour, line, shape, form, texture, tone, pattern and space
• learn about artists, designers and craftspeople from different times, cultures and disciplines
• think critically about art and develop the ability to evaluate and discuss creative work
• become independent, reflective and resilient learners who use creativity to communicate ideas, feelings and experiences

Oracy is a fundamental driver in our curriculum. Through Art & Design, children are encouraged to discuss their creative ideas, explain artistic choices and evaluate both their own work and the work of others. Pupils develop a rich artistic vocabulary that enables them to describe techniques, analyse artwork and communicate their thoughts with confidence. Through discussion, reflection and critique, children learn how to articulate opinions respectfully and respond thoughtfully to the ideas of others. 

Cultural Richness is another of our curriculum drivers. We believe that art provides a powerful window into different cultures, traditions, beliefs and historical periods. Through studying a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople, children gain an appreciation of how art reflects society and human experience. They explore artwork from different places and times, developing an understanding of how culture, history and individual experiences influence artistic expression.

Social Intelligence is a key focus within our Art & Design curriculum. Children learn to appreciate different perspectives, give and receive feedback and recognise that art can communicate important messages about the world around us. By exploring themes, ideas and viewpoints through creative work, pupils develop empathy, curiosity and respect for others whilst learning how creativity can be used to inspire, influence and connect people.

Implementation:

At Woodvale, Art & Design is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum which enables pupils to progressively build knowledge, skills and understanding from EYFS to Year 6. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, craft and design, children develop both technical proficiency and creative independence.

There are several features that run throughout all of our Art & Design teaching:-

Developing the formal elements of art

Children progressively develop their understanding of colour, line, shape, form, pattern, texture, tone and space. These underpin all artistic learning and provide pupils with the tools needed to create, analyse and improve their work. 

Developing artistic skills progressively

Children revisit and build upon artistic techniques throughout their primary years, developing increasing control, precision and independence across a range of media and materials. Drawing, painting, sculpture and craft skills are carefully sequenced to ensure progression. 

Learning from artists and designers

Each unit provides opportunities for children to study artists, designers and craftspeople. Pupils explore how artists communicate ideas, respond to the world around them and use different materials and techniques to create impact. 

Creativity through exploration

Children are encouraged to experiment, take risks and develop their own creative responses. Sketchbooks are used throughout the curriculum to research, record, explore ideas, evaluate work and develop outcomes. We value the creative process as highly as the final product. 

Reflection and evaluation

Pupils regularly discuss, analyse and evaluate artwork. They are encouraged to reflect on their own creative journey, consider alternative approaches and make purposeful improvements to their work. 

Our curriculum is organised around the key disciplines of Drawing, Painting and Mixed Media, Sculpture and 3D, and Craft and Design, allowing children to deepen both their technical knowledge and creative understanding as they move through the school.

Impact:

We will know that the intent of our Art & Design curriculum is successful through:-

• our children demonstrating confidence and enjoyment when expressing themselves creatively
• our children applying artistic techniques and skills with increasing control, independence and purpose
• our children using artistic vocabulary confidently to discuss, analyse and evaluate artwork
• our children showing an appreciation and understanding of a diverse range of artists, designers and cultures
• our children demonstrating creativity, resilience and independence throughout the artistic process
• our children creating thoughtful, high-quality artwork that reflects both technical skill and personal expression
• our children recognising how art can be used to communicate ideas, emotions and viewpoints

This curriculum prepares children not only to become capable artists, but to become creative thinkers who can observe, question, communicate and contribute positively to the world around them.