Art

Intent:

“Art is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality.”

Quentin Blake

At St Francis, we believe Art and Design should enable the children to communicate what they see, feel and think. We ensure we provide many opportunities across different topics where children have the opportunity to express themselves in creative ways whilst learning key artistic skills regardless of age, ability or gender.  Children should experiment with their ideas, their use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes. 

We believe that art should fire children’s imagination and allow for personal expression. Whilst learning practical skills we also ensure our art lessons enable pupils to reflect and make informed, respectful and critical response of their own work and others. At St Francis, we want to expose children to a wide range of diverse cultures in order to grow into respectful and informed members of society. We believe, through art this can happen as they explore the rich and unique styles of different cultures. 

Implementation:

Our whole school curriculum provides children with opportunities to develop their skills in art using a range of media and materials. Children have the opportunity to explore and evaluate different creative ideas developing skills in drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles, 3D work and digital art. Children have a sketch book in order to practice and refine skills. In order to make work as relevant as possible, lessons are often linked to the topics being studied in class. We also provide further opportunities for art through our RE lessons.

Opportunities are given to enable children to learn about different artists, including Lowry, and their range of styles. The children have a sketch book that enables them to experiment and refine skills. Art is displayed to motivate and inspire others and to celebrate the pupils’ artwork in their class.

Impact

Our Art curriculum has been developed to show progression between year groups, by highlighting clear objectives under the different areas of art skills. These objectives are shared with the children so that they are clear about what the intended outcomes are and have a means to measure their own work against this. To stimulate creativity and expression, children are introduced to artists throughout the year and are then able to explore these styles further in order to gain inspiration for their own work. Pupils are also introduced to different equipment and skills throughout the year so that they can then make choices around the tools and styles they require to reach an intended outcome.

In Art, children are constantly reflective and evaluative on their work and can verbally express their choices and any changes they could make to keep improving. Children are encouraged to give meaningful feedback to their peers when art work is shared. As children progress through the school, they are able to identify their strengths and areas for development in art.