Intent

Our art curriculum is a knowledge rich curriculum. Knowledge, in the realm of art means knowledge not only of artists, designers, architects and their work, but of the artistic concepts that relate to their work shown in different types and styles of art, how these relate to each other in a historical context and how this affects the children’s own use of materials and development of skills. The curriculum is designed to enable children to learn by making connections between the work of artists, architects and designers (which they study critically) and their own work, which they evaluate and relate back to the works they have studied. This process is cyclical. For children following the curriculum, becoming informed about the subject discipline of art is a process that takes place alongside a growing love for the subject. Meaningful opportunities for self-expression and individual response are woven through the curriculum, giving children space to learn who they are as an artist.

Implementation

Units of work in the curriculum focus on the different concepts in art and different types of art. In this context concepts in art means the different elements of art (line, shape, colour, tone, form, space, visual texture and tone), how an artist combines these elements and produces art in different styles, for example realistic or abstract art. Different types of art means the different media used to make art (e.g. sculpture, architecture or painting), different subject matter (e.g. portraits, landscapes or history painting) and different artistic movements, historical periods or geographical cultures (e.g. impressionism, Anglo-Saxon art and Chinese painting).

The overall scheme of the curriculum provides for gradual progression in terms of skills (split into painting, drawing, 3D form, collage, textiles, printmaking and mixed media), introducing the children to as diverse a range of materials as possible. It also provides for progression in terms of knowledge of different concepts and types of art. The structure of the planning also provides for progression in terms of process in art, both in terms of critical analysis of others’ art and the necessary observation, exploration and evaluation needed for the children to create their own art. Activities children are directed to undertake in lessons are designed with an eye to the importance of learning and practising process. These activities include verbal and written observations and observational, analytical and imaginative drawing activities in key stage 1, leading to the process of independent investigation, observation, annotation, sketching, design and planning (allowing the children to experiment and invent) by the end of key stage 2. Independent and investigative study and the understanding of process is particularly provided for in the units which conclude the year in upper Ks2.

The curriculum fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum for England and, as such, has as its focus the art of the Western world. This course of study seeks to show how art shapes our history and contributes to our national culture. It looks at key movements and historical periods in the history of Western art, studying art from ancient Greece and Rome, Anglo Saxon England, the middle ages, the Italian renaissance, Victorian art and architecture, French impressionism and modernism of the 20th century. Where a unit looks at a period in history which is also addressed in the history curriculum, the art unit is taught after the history unit. This allows the children to approach their study of art with a degree of confidence and ‘expertise’ and to consolidate their knowledge by creating connections between the different disciplines.

A study of Western art necessarily lacks cultural diversity, and therefore specific artists have been added to the curriculum to ensure more balance, including Yayoi Kusama, Hokusai and Yousuf Karsh. Women artists have also been included, and in key stage 2 there is provision for discussing why women are under-represented in traditional Western art history narratives. Study of modernism and art from the 20th century provides an opportunity to study art by women and artists from ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in British art.

Impact

The impact of the curriculum on the learning of our children will be measured using formative assessment throughout the year by teachers. Teachers assess children’s development in skills and knowledge, and how they work towards meeting the statements provided in the national curriculum.

Teachers and children use knowledge organisers and expected outcome statements to reflect on their learning and to measure progress within the subject. As artists, children will develop skills and attributes they can use beyond school and into adulthood. Children will learn about the creative process and the importance of taking risks. When children leave The Three Schools, they are more resilient individuals who persevere through challenges and have a growth mind-set that is nurtured and encouraged by teachers. Children at The Three Schools also have the opportunity to follow their progression of skills through their sketchbooks and other produced media. Sketchbooks travel through year groups with the children so their learning journey and skills progression is documented and can be reflected upon.

Perhaps most importantly, children are able to talk passionately about artwork and about significant artists in the field. They know about future prospects that are available to them when they have left full time education that focus on the arts.