Intent - our curriculum aims

In line with the National Curriculum for Art and Design we aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Produce creative work, exploring ideas and recording their experiences.
• Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and additional art and design techniques.
• Evaluate and analyse a variety of creative works using associated vocabulary.
• Know about great artists, crafters and designers and have an awareness of the cultural and historical development of their chosen art form.

Implementation

• At Forest Fields art is taught through a topic approach alongside Design & Technology. Our curriculum is planned to engage and inspire all learners and our long-term and medium-term plans map out the themes covered each term for each key stage.
• Foundation Stage pupils explore Creative Development through a variety of cross-curricular topics and themes within Early Years Framework that stimulate a curiosity and interest. These are facilitated by the exploration of a wide range of techniques, ideas and resources.
• Key Stage 1 pupils spend one hour per week in their afternoon sessions on the investigating and making plus the knowledge and understanding aspects of the Art and Design curriculum. Whenever possible Art is used to support and enhance other curricula areas. Year One children also have access to creative resources through continuous provision on a daily basis.
• Key Stage 2 pupils spend one hour per week in their afternoon sessions on the investigating and making plus the knowledge and understanding aspects of the Art and Design curriculum. Whenever possible Art is used to support and enhance other curricula areas.
• At Forest Fields we also hope (where possible) to provide an opportunity for the whole school to celebrate the creativity of its pupils with an Art Day once a school year. This will be an occasion where pupils will be exposed to a range of creative activities that recognise and celebrate the variety of cultures and beliefs here at our school. 

Learning experiences

Art and Design is taught both as a whole class and in-group activities. It offers opportunities for a number of grouping strategies, including mixed ability, ability and collaborative grouping and for individual work.

Teaching methods include teacher demonstration, discussion and appreciation, hands-on exploration and investigation. In addition, creative opportunities are linked to technology during ICT where pupils are able to explore Art & Design on through internet research and/ or using programmes such as 2Simple. Where possible the Art Lead will seek out and identify additional opportunities for pupils such as work with local galleries and artists to further support the school’s development of cultural capital.

Impact

At Forest Fields Primary we encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own learning and a range of assessment for learning strategies are used to enable staff and pupils to recognise progress being made. Strategies including self-evaluation, end of unit reviews and peer marking; where the children are encouraged to comment on each other’s work using vocabulary related to the skills taught. Through these strategies both pupils and adults are able to recognise the progress being made.