"Every child is an artist." - Pablo Picasso

Intent

At Tanworth-in-Arden Primary School and Nursery, we believe our pupils are entitled to access a progressive art, craft and design curriculum that fosters their creativity and originality. We intend to give our pupils the opportunities to explore and the skills to experiment with a range of materials, techniques and processes, alongside gaining the knowledge and appreciation of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople, designers and architects, including those with a local connection. We aim to inspire them to think critically and imaginatively, and to use what they develop to enhance learning across the wider curriculum. Most importantly though, we hope to build our pupil’s self-esteem so that they can confidently express themselves, nurture their own well-being and begin to discover their own unique identity.

Implementation

The teaching and implementation of the Art, Craft and Design Curriculum at Tanworth in Arden Primary School and Nursery is based on the Early Years Framework and the National Curriculum, and linked to other curriculum subjects to ensure we provide a broad and balanced curriculum. More detail can be found on our early years and whole school long term plan.

Our Art, Craft and Design Curriculum is split into four aspects: Creativity, Skills, Knowledge and Reflection. Creativity is fostered through our sketchbooks. Every child in school has their own sketchbook that is theirs to experiment in, and is a place to collect their ideas and share their experiences. Our skills progression document can be found below, and this shows how Drawing; Painting; Printing; Sculpture, including architecture; Collage; Digital Art and Textiles is developed from Nursery to Year 6. The knowledge of local, national and international artists, crafts people, designers and architects are explored to inspire the children's own artwork. As well as reflecting on the work of artists, etc, the children are encouraged to reflect on their own work and the work of their peers through class crits.

Early Years

Pupils should have the learning opportunities:

• to create representations using different tools and materials.
• to experiment with and develop responses to the different elements of art, e.g. line, colour and texture.
• to find out about the work of artists, recognising and describing the key features.
• to be able to explain the process and key features of their own work.

Key stage 1

Pupils should be taught:

• to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
• to use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination.
• to develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.
• about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work.

Key stage 2

Pupils should be taught:

• to develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
• to create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas.
• to improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials [for example, pencil, charcoal, paint, clay].
• about great artists, architects and designers in history.

Impact

The creativity of all our pupils is celebrated through classroom and communal displays, as well as being exhibited on our website and school Facebook page.
Ongoing formative assessment is key and our adaptive teaching strategies support this holistic approach towards assessment in art, craft and design. Teachers use the gathered information to inform future lessons; ensuring children are supported and extended appropriately, and any gaps in skills are addressed. Children are also encouraged to self and/or peer assess throughout lessons and during our class crits.