Art and Design
Statement of intent for the Art and Design Curriculum
The Art and Design curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2 and Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (Exploring and using media and materials; Being imaginative; Moving and handling). And has been designed by an art specialist. It provides real and engaging first-hand experiences for our learners which inspire creativity and motivate learning in all areas of the curriculum, not just in art. Connections with other curriculum subjects are identified and links explicitly made within lessons.Through participating in cross-curricular projects, pupils develop confidence and key transferable skills such as speaking and listening, problem solving, team work, resilience and various creative approaches. Lessons can also include opportunities for age appropriate reading, for example, researching artists, craft makers and designers to develop an understanding of the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
Art and Design is taught in a logical sequence where pupils have the opportunity to use and apply skills and knowledge in drawing, painting, textiles, sculpture and printmaking ensuring progression from Nursery, towards EYFS, KS1 and KS2 end points. The curriculum is built upon year on year, where prior learning is revisited to ensure pupils' understanding is retained and becomes embedded in pupils' long-term memory. The lessons are taught in a step by step approach where the teacher will first provide an inspiring hook. The children develop speaking and listening through engaging in talk partner and group discussion. Self and peer assessment are embedded through the questioning in the lesson as a way of driving the learning forward. The children participate in independent and group work where they are strongly encouraged to be active decision makers and develop their own unique skills in Art and Design.
Art and Design is taught by an art specialist teacher, as well as by class teachers. Resources are adapted, when necessary, to ensure SEND and disadvantaged pupils can access all aspects of the same curriculum. These mediums also provide excellent therapeutic support.
Heald Place works very closely with many outside partners in Art such as The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, Historic England in order to provide unique learning experiences in new settings. Pupils have the opportunity to engage in workshops at the Whitworth Art Gallery throughout the year, led by the art specialist teacher and class teachers.