Art

A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.  As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design.  They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to their culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Children learn a range of skills and techniques delivered through the scheme, Kapow. The children will use a wide range of media and materials. Art work also links to other curriculum areas.  Children learn the skills of drawing, painting and mixed media and sculpture. They are given opportunities to explore and evaluate creative ideas.  The study of artists, craft makers and designers is developed and an appreciation gained with children of the diverse world in which we live.

Sketch books are used as an integral part of the Art curriculum at Newfield Park.  Children will feel confident to explore ideas and use sketch books as an outlet for creativity as well as recognising their importance of aiding positive wellbeing.

Sketch books are used throughout the school as the children progress from Year 1 to Year 6.  Children are encouraged to use them as means of:

• Recording, exploring and storing visual and other information for reference.
• Working out ideas, plans and designs.
• Reflection of work, reviewing and identifying progress.
• As an ongoing record of achievement.
• As a tool to promote well-being.

Foundation Stage uses guidance from the EYFS framework – Expressive Art and Design.

We have an Artist in residence, Mrs Shaw who works with the children in small groups, throughout the year from Nursery to Year 6 helping to develop a range of art skills.  As a result of this bespoke teaching, display boards on our corridors are bright, attractive and demonstrate a range of art skills which are frequently commented on by visitors to our school.

Cross-Curricular Links

Art can help to provide meaning to all other subjects in the curriculum.  It provides opportunities to develop fine motor skills, observation skills and concentration.

English: Art makes a significant contribution to developing literacy skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Children respond to different ideas and the starting points of their work.  They can compare ideas, methods and approaches in their own work and that of others and to say what they think and feel about them.

Mathematics:  The teaching of Art contributes to children’s mathematical understanding by giving children opportunities to develop children’s understanding of shape and space through work in two and three dimensions.

PSHE and Citizenship:  Through Art, children are expected to be reflective and evaluate their own and others’ work respectfully.  Children are encouraged to take risks, experiment and reflect on the knowledge and skills they have gained.  There is an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of cultures and traditions reflecting on the diverse world in which they live.  Children are also encouraged to use art and design as a outlet for positive well-being.

Computing:  Computing enables teachers to share resources with children using multimedia.  Children will be given opportunities to use laptops and tablets to research, investigate and record their findings.  In addition, children will learn to integrate images into their artwork.