Art

Intent

At South Wootton Infant School, we believe that every child is entitled to a high quality art education. The art curriculum engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. They are taught to become critical thinkers and develop a deeper understanding of the subject as well as art forms that have shaped our history and culture.

Implementation

• Art is taught as part of the half termly topics. Teachers plan collaboratively using the Art progression grid in order to check for coverage.
• Art is taught as a group or whole class session at Key Stage 1.
• In Reception teachers use the Expressive Art and Design when planning and delivering the art curriculum. This is delivered through a group activity especially when children are exposed to a new resource or skill. During “Exploration Time” children are able to access resources independently in order to recall and practice a new skill. They also have access to a range of materials in continuous provision whereby they can independently create using their imagination.
• Skills are taught either in whole class or smaller groups. These are then practised in Continuous Provision in Reception and Year 1.
• Significant pieces of art are collated in individual Art Portfolios that follow the children through the school. Reception use Art Portfolios gather and to demonstrate pupil progress.

Impact

• We will be able to see that the children know more and remember in art through evidence in their Arts Portfolios, in high quality art work displayed around the school and pupil voice. We will see they are able to recall prior learning and apply it. Children will then start their next year of learning with the necessary skills and knowledge to build upon.
• Art Portfolios show a record of a variety of different art opportunities for children building on a progression of skills. Classrooms and displays showcase the children’ art work in a variety of ways.
• Children are confident to talk about their artwork, artists , what they have found and any techniques they have used.

If you were to walk into an Art lesson at SWIS you would see:

1. Children who are keen to learn, who are using a range of materials and resources throughout the year.
2. Children who are proud of their work.
3. Children who are confident to talk about the art they have created and the skills they have used.

How equality, diversity and citizenship are embedded in Art teaching and learning

Children are all encouraged to express themselves in art regardless of ability and the process is valued as much as the final outcome. They are exposed to a wide range of art and artists from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. They are taught to express their own opinions about art as well as listening to and valuing that of others.

Pupil Voice

When talking about the fact that the strawberries in the garden have been eaten by birds, a child said “Our artist (William Morris) did a picture called the Stawberry Thief”!

Art Progression