Art

Art Statement of Intent:

At St. Paul’s C of E Primary School, we believe that art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. We strive to deliver a high-quality art and design education, which engages, inspires and challenges all our pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. When our pupils reach year six, they will have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills, which will enable them to think critically and develop their own style as an artist. All our pupils will gain an appreciation and respect of art from different times and cultures, and study a diverse range of artists and designers. The children will develop proficiency in drawing, painting, printing and sculpture. They will come to understand the visual elements of art and design such as texture, colour, pattern, line, tone, shape, form and space. In addition, they will develop resilience when dealing with challenging techniques, which can be applied to all aspects of life. Ultimately, we hope to foster within them, a love and appreciation of Art in all its forms, subsequently inspiring the next generation of artists.

Art Implementation:

Our curriculum provides a clear, comprehensive and progressive scheme of work, in line with the national curriculum for art and the EYFS expressive art and design curriculum. Each year group follows our ‘Art Long Term Plan’ which is split into three strands: Painting and Drawing, Sculpture and Printing. Drawing and the use of mixed media runs through all strands, but particular attention is paid to drawing skill progression within the painting strand.

Listed within each strand is a structure to guide our teachers and assist their medium-term planning: Key Skills, Key Vocabulary, Artist Focus, Design Brief and Key Questions. We have ensured that there is a very clear progression of skills throughout our long-term plan and our teachers are aware of the skills taught in earlier and later year groups. This enables them to refer to and consolidate prior learning; therefore, strengthening retrieval skills.

Throughout our Long-Term Plan, key vocabulary (texture, colour, pattern, line, tone, shape, form and space) is highlighted in all the strands and taught year on year so that our pupils can confidently articulate its meaning.

Our ‘Artist Focus’ or ‘Cultural Reference’ is often the starting point for our budding artists and a great source of inspiration. Throughout their time at St. Paul’s, our pupils will be inspired by a diverse range of artists: historical, modern, contemporary, different gender identities, worldwide/ different cultures, different ages and artists with disabilities. We feel that this range will reinforce the message that art is accessible to all.

Our pupils work in different mediums, different environments (en plein air) and produce work of different scales, and underpinning all this, is their treasured sketchbook: a visually exciting and tactile record of their inspirations, skills, observations, imagination and personal ideas. This cherished book is passed on to following teachers so that their prior learning is celebrated and developed. 

Whenever opportunities arise, we welcome practising artists into our school; visit local art galleries; exhibit children’s work and participate in the ‘Arts Award’. 

Art Statement of Impact:

As a result of their experiences in Art at St. Paul’s, our pupils will be imaginative, knowledgeable and skilful artists with an appreciation of art in the world around them. They will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of different mediums and corresponding skills. Our pupils will be able to talk about various forms of art (painting, drawing, sculpture and printing) and name specific worldwide artists (historical, modern and contemporary). Our pupils will also develop important life skills throughout their artistic endeavours:  patience, resilience, risk taking, cooperation, communication, and problem solving to name a few - all of which will benefit them throughout their lives. They will grow in confidence and feel proud of their work, or sometimes they will reflect and consider improvements; therefore, building resilience. Underpinning all this, is the simple opportunity to be hands on, mindful and living in the moment.