Intent

At St John the Evangelist Primary School, we view Art as an opportunity for pupils to express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas. Our intent is to provide high-quality, engaging Art lessons that inspire children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. They will explore a range of works and develop understanding of styles, gaining an insight into how famous artwork contributes, shapes and reflects our history. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically, evaluating their own work and that of others, and thinking about how they can make changes and develop their mastery of Art techniques. It is our intent to provide all of our children with the opportunities to succeed, no matter what starting point or barriers. Any obstacles or encounters are seen as stepping stones and not stumbling blocks. We seek to provide opportunities for all learners, including those who are disadvantaged, SEND, EAL, PP and GD.

Implementation

At St John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School, we ensure high standards of teaching and learning in art, implementing a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Art knowledge and skills are taken from the National Curriculum and are taught through topic work, aiming to engage and excite the children. The work of famous local, national and international artists are explored in order to provide inspiration and to further enhance learning. The subject builds on skills of teamwork and resilience as the children work in groups or individually to investigate, explore and develop ideas and techniques. They are taught to evaluate their own work and that of others, celebrating success and identifying areas for improvement.

Both children and staff benefit from first-hand experience of a real artist as each year group takes part in art mornings led by Tony Bullock. They also are given the opportunity to take part in a whole school ‘Art Week ‘each summer. This is built around a given topic and encompasses a range of cross curricular links. The week allows children to showcase a range of their art work with the rest of the school, and celebrates the success of individuals and the school as a whole. The children are also given the option of entering various art competitions throughout the year. Two main ones include the Lord Mayor’s Christmas card competition and a summer exhibition which includes many different schools from the local area.

Impact

The structure of the art curriculum ensures that children are able to develop their knowledge and understanding of the work of artists from a range of times and cultures and apply this knowledge to their own work. Children are provided with a range of opportunities to express themselves creatively and are given time to refine and develop their techniques through effective lesson sequencing and progression between year groups. Classroom displays reflect the children’s sense of pride in their artwork, across various curriculum subjects. At St John the Evangelist Primary School, the subject contributes to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection.. This also supports children in achieving age related expectations at the end of their cohort year.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have opportunities to learn to:

• Explore the textures, movement, feel and look of different media and materials
• Respond to a range of media and materials, develop their understanding of them in order to manipulate and create different effects.
• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas
• Explore colour and use for a particular purpose
• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately
• Select appropriate media and techniques and adapt their work where necessary

Key Stage 1

Pupils are taught:

1. to use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination
2. to develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space
3. about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work.    

Key Stage 2

Pupils are taught to develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.

Pupils are taught:

1. to create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas
2. to improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials [for example, pencil, charcoal, paint, clay]
3. about great artists, architects and designers in history.

We love to create wonderful art work...