Intent

At Merrylands Primary School and Nursery, we believe that Art and Design is a form of expression and communication, unique to each individual artist. Our principal aim is to ensure that children flourish individually and develop the skills and knowledge to enable them to create their own works of art that express their individual ideas, interests and thoughts. We encourage children to communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of colour, texture, form and pattern using different materials and processes.  Our children will explore a range of artistic techniques as well as learn about key artistic styles and artists through history and around the globe to inspire and challenge. Artistic elements and techniques are explicitly taught and practised so that children become comfortable to explore them when composing their own pieces. Our children learn about a range of diverse artists and draw inspiration from a range of sources when creating their own artwork. Through a creative curriculum, children develop knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas which can be used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  The children are expected to reflect, critique and evaluate their work, thinking about how they can make changes in order to continuously improve.  We aim to produce well-rounded individuals by providing the children with opportunities to expand their cultural capital and experiences of the world.

Implementation

Our teaching staff plan for teaching and learning of Art and Design by following our bespoke Art and Design Long Term Plan which covers all aspects of the Art and Design National Curriculum and the EYFS Statutory Framework. Our Curriculum begins at Nursery and progresses all the way through to Year 6 covering all aspects including:  drawing, painting, 3D work, printing, textiles, artist appreciation and evaluating. The Long Term Plan outlines the key knowledge and skills for each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across the school.  During lessons, children focus on the work of an artist or style of art and apply this new knowledge or skill to their own work.  Children revisit all aspects of the curriculum during their time in school, building upon and developing their artistic skills and understanding.

Opportunities for children’s learning is further enhanced with planned whole school events throughout the year where the children work collaboratively and individually within year groups to explore the different styles and techniques of a range of artists. There are also opportunities to work with local artists which promote Art and Design as a future career option. Art and Design is valued and celebrated in the displays in the classrooms and around the school.

Impact

Children develop detailed knowledge and skills across the curriculum and, as a result, achieve high standards.  They are confident in creating their own work and making relevant comments about the work of others, including artists and other children. They also develop a passion for Art and Design and a confidence in learning and using skills and techniques. Children are able to apply their art skills to cross-curricular subjects. They use art to develop a sense of the diverse world in which they live and understand how cultures can be connected through art.

Art and Design knowledge goals are assessed throughout each unit of work using the Merrylands assessment grid and this information is used to inform future planning.  The subject is monitored regularly to measure the impact of the Art and Design curriculum content, design and delivery and the outcomes of this monitoring are used to drive forward next steps within the subject.