Art and Design

Intent

At Dobcroft Infant School, we believe that art lessons will engage, inspire and challenge all children to think innovatively and develop creative understanding. Our intent is to create an Art and Design curriculum that is rich, diverse and will ignite passion for learning. We will provide a range of visual, tactile and sensory experiences both in the classroom and outdoors in the range of areas in the school grounds for children to develop their artistic skills. We will maximise topic-based activities to spark interest and to stimulate creativity and imagination. Our aim is to allow children to express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas alongside building resilience, confidence and critical-thinking skills. The curriculum will be tailored to suit the needs of children to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. They should also know that art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. Therefore, the Art and Design curriculum will enable life-long learning, so pupils from Dobcroft Infant School ‘shine brightly and stand out’ with their views, experiences and creativity.  

Implementation

The Art and Design curriculum is taught through the progression of techniques using a range of media and materials. Where possible, the creative ideas will link to the other areas of the curriculum children are exposed to.

Children learn the skills of drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles, 3D work and digital art and are given opportunities to explore and evaluate different creative ideas. The opportunities enable children to communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes.

Learning is planned so the pupils have the opportunity to appreciate and discuss the work of iconic artists throughout history over time, and use these as inspiration for their own creative development.

Children are expected to be reflective and evaluate their work, thinking how they can make changes and keep improving. In order for our pupils to shine, they will be encouraged to take risks and experiment because ‘creativity takes courage’ – Henri Matisse.

As part of our Artsmark journey, our focus last year was to introduce a more diverse range of artists to ensure that all cultures are represented and children can see themselves as artists.  A selection of the artists we now focus on are Frida Kahlo and Katsushika Hokusai.  Lubaina Himid is an African artist which the Y2s focused on during the autumn term.  Here is an example of a Y2 pupils work in her style:

"We learnt about Lubaina Himid, she does lots of nice patterns.

Her pictures are complicated using mostly crayons with bright colours. 

She writes messages on the art work that she call 'speaking clothes.

The National Curriculum for Art and Design aims to ensure that all pupils:

• ·produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences;

• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques;

• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design;
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

All children from FS2 up to Year 2 will have ownership over a sketchbook that will be placed at the centre of their creativity. The sketchbooks will be used to gather, collect, experiment and reflect as well as develop personalities. However, sketchbooks will only be used when appropriate in an art lesson. Sometimes children will have the opportunities to sculpture, create 3D art work, use apps, on large paper or outdoors. Where practical art work is implemented, photographs will be used to evidence this learning.

Impact

At Dobcroft Infant School, we believe that through the Art and Design curriculum, the children will recognise that art comes from all walks of life and from every corner of our planet. Our children will know that creativity comes in many different forms and that though we do not always agree on what is the best form, we will agree that everyone has a voice and an opinion about the art that they are either creating or looking at, but will critique the art with respect. We want our children to see Art and Design as a passage for creativity as well as positive well-being and wellness, in our ever changing world. We aim to nurture the natural talents of our children and celebrate those talents and successes where children are ‘Shining brightly, standing out.’

'In art, we use chalk, pencils, ink, clay and crayons. I like painting and drawing.' Y1 pupil

'Andy Goldsworthy makes art with natural resources.  He's like a magician, he wrapped ice around a tree trunk.' Y1 pupil

'We learnt about an African artist, Lubaina Himid'. Y2 pupil

What careers can I inspire to do with the skills from Art and Design? 

Animator, Artist Illustrator, Sculptor, Technical illustrator, Blacksmith, Florist, Glass designer, Jewellery designer/maker, Leather craft worker, Picture framer, Sign writer, Stonemason, Graphic designer, Upholsterer, Visual merchandiser, Curator, Museum director, Art journalist, Auctioneer.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” - Pablo Picasso.

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

Art is something that makes you breath with a different kind of happiness.”- Anni Albers