Art
In this section of the website, you will find information about our approach to teaching Art & Design at Witton Gilbert Primary School.
Intent
At Witton Gilbert Primary School, we want every child to receive a high-quality art and design education which engages, inspires and challenges them. Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. We therefore aim to equip the children at Witton Gilbert with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.
As pupils progress through the school, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. Children will develop their understanding of the visual language of art with effective teaching and considered sequences of lessons and experiences.
Understanding the formal elements of art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form) and developing children’s art and design skills are strong components within our curriculum. This knowledge and understanding then allows children to develop their own artistic ideas and then leads to the making of their own artwork, giving them opportunities to refine their own art skills.
Our art curriculum also develops children’s critical abilities and understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritages through studying a diverse range of male and female artists.
In every year group, children will have the opportunity to develop their skills using the following techniques:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Other craft techniques (such as printing, collage, digital media)
Intent Linked to our School Values
Childhood and Play
Through art, we seek to provide first hand opportunities for children to explore and investigate and take the lead in their own art. Children are given freedom to make decisions in their artwork, try them out and not be judged or scrutinised for making those decisions.
Respect for Ourselves and our Environment
We see art all around us in nature and we often take time to reflect on the worlds natural beauty in our art sessions. We explore a range of recyclable materials and understand how we can impact the world in a positive or negative way though our resources.
Our school understands the positive impact that art can have on our mental wellbeing and ensure that we appreciate the enjoyment that art can bring us.
Equality and Diversity
Our school is committed to ensuring that all children will have access to an exciting, appropriate and inspiring curriculum that will support their progress and achievement.
Children will study a range of artists from a range of backgrounds and inclusive of all genders, nationalities, races and disabilities.
Perseverance and Resilience
Children and staff take a ‘growth mindset’ approach when it comes to Art and Design. We don’t agree with the statement that certain people can’t draw or creative. We remind ourselves that we may not be able to do it yet and that through practice and determination we will get there. We encourage children to use their sketchbooks in an exploratory way. There are no FAILS in art and design – just First Attempts In Learning!
Collaboration and Cooperation
Some Art and Design tasks and activities involve groups of children in collaboration. They must work together to take on specific roles and cooperate to reach agreed outcomes. We often have to practice our negotiation skills in group tasks. We also understand that art is a subjective subject and therefore appreciating, supporting and appraising each-others artwork is an essential part of our lesons too.
Implementation
At Witton Gilbert Primary School Art and Design begins in Reception Class as Expressive Art and Design. Children are provided with a wide range of art equipment in their environment everyday through continuous provision and also adult led carpet sessions and focus tasks. Teaching then continues into KS1 and KS2 and experiences are built on from Reception. Art and Design is taught both weekly and in blocks depending on the class teacher’s preference and also the link between the class topic. Children are given many opportunities to practise, revisit and build on skills progressively from EYFS to KS2 in drawing, painting, printing, textiles and sculpture.
The way in which we develop the children’s knowledge of different artists, pieces of work and art movements is by providing the children with as many examples as possible. We explore them to art and artists in the classroom, take the children on art based trips and have visiting artists into school to inspire and ignite the passion in children’s art knowledge. Teachers include art specific vocabulary in art lessons which is defined, explained and used by children.
Cultural Capital in Art
Cultural Capital is the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours, skills and experiences that gives us the confidence to be able to talk, communicate, progress and take a full part in our community and wider world. At Witton Gilbert Primary school, we promote equality through our commitment to developing cultural capital for all our children.
During their time at Witton Gilbert Primary School, they will also experience:
- Meeting and talking to an artist
- Visits to galleries
- Visits to enrich their artist experiences from galleries, places of interest for design and observational studies.
- Workshops led by artists, crafts people and designers.
- Have access to a wide range of art materials and tools to explore.
Impact
At Witton Gilbert Primary School children will become creative learners, who are reflective and are able to evaluate their artwork. Creativity and uniqueness will be celebrated and children will widen their knowledge of a wide range of artists. Children will build upon their knowledge of art and design skills in each year group to allow them to produce inventive pieces of art. Children of all abilities and backgrounds will be able to achieve well in art and design as emphasis is places on individuality and children will be given the freedom to explore art using their imaginations.
From meeting with and learning about a range of artists, children will know how art and design influences our everyday lives. They will know the possibilities art and design gives them for their future. They will know that if they keep excelling in the subject they too could become painters, fashion designers, games designers, crafters, illustrators, sculptors, art gallery owners and photographers.