Art and Design

Art & Design presents an opportunity for children to discover the potential of human creativity and understand the value of inclusivity. At Woodthorpe, we nurture an enthusiasm for individual expression. As such, our Art & Design curriculum allows children to develop the knowledge and skills to experiment and be innovative when creating their own works of art. Throughout their time at Woodthorpe children will learn to think critically, develop an understanding of the role Art & Design plays in society, and know about important artists and designers both historical and contemporary.

• At Woodthorpe, Art is taught in every year group, once per week for three half-termly units of work throughout each academic year.
• Every child has a knowledge organiser in their sketchbook, prefacing each unit of work. These knowledge organisers allow children to refer back to prior learning, illustrate key techniques, highlight vocabulary and showcase key individuals.
• Each child has a sketchbook. We give the child ownership of their sketchbook in order to foster their sense of creativity. Children use their sketchbooks to make initial sketches, develop skills, record ideas and develop opinions.
• Throughout the Woodthorpe journey, every child is given the opportunity to learn the skills of drawing, painting, printing, sculpture and textiles, with each unit including exploration of at least one key artist, craft maker or designer and their work.
• Through in-depth discussion, the pupils explore how their art can share commonalities with famous art and use subject-specific vocabulary to discuss key artworks and their own work.
• In the development of confident art critics, the pupils share their opinions and make informed observations about what will improve their own practical work.
• Cross-curricular links are promoted to allow all children to deepen their understanding across the curriculum, including the use of technology, and artworks from year group specific historical, geographical and scientific contexts.
• Opportunities for children to visit local art galleries and museums are planned for, as well as visits from local artists.
• Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensures all pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge.
• Opportunities to reflect and develop, are included through the use of sketchbooks, and chances for self and peer-assessment, in both KS1 and KS2.
• Effective CPD opportunities are available to staff to ensure high levels of confidence and knowledge are maintained.
• To support teaching, staff access a range of resources and planning.
• Our Foundation Subject Assessment Tracker allows us to use data to inform future practice.

Through Expressive Arts children are encouraged to explore different media, explore how media can be combined to create different effects and develop a range of skills and techniques experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. Children are given daily access to a range of creative opportunities and enjoy our carefully planned and well-resourced creative areas both indoors and out. Children are encouraged to create on both small and large scales and our outdoor environment supports this well. Children are encouraged to develop their communication and language skills through talking about their creations and sharing these with others to build confidence and raise self-esteem.

The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time across key stages relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Woodthorpe reaching at least age-related expectations for Art & Design. Our Art & Design curriculum will also lead pupils to be enthusiastic Art & Design learners, evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their final pieces and sketchbooks. We ensure that children who are achieving well, as well as those who need additional support, are identified, and additional provision and strategies are planned in and discussed with class teachers. Achievements are celebrated in classrooms during walkinggalleries and corridor displays. Through exhibitions, the wider school community are invited to see the children’s work being showcased and by building in increasing connections with local galleries, we aim to develop our future artists and their appreciation of the art around them.

• Drawing
• Painting
• 3D – Sculpture
• Printing
• Textiles