Art and Design
Intent
At Woodland Primary School we use a topic based creative curriculum as a way of achieving the outcomes set by the national curriculum for Art and Design, History, Geography, Music, English and Science in our mixed age classes. We want a curriculum which extends beyond the classroom and into the world around, one that enables children to understand who they are and the world in which they inhabit and which ultimately gets children excited to learn and prepared for the future that awaits them.
At Woodland Primary School we value Art and Design as an important part of our children’s broad and balanced curriculum. We believe that Art and Design provides the children an opportunity to express their individual interests, thought and ideas and our art and design curriculum enables children to develop and extend skills and gives all children an opportunity to find a creative outlet that’s right for them.
Implementation
Our art and design curriculum is planned on a four yearly programme to ensure coverage and high priority within our mixed age classes. Within carefully selected topics, children make meaningful links between art, music, history, geography, design technology, English and science. They are helped to understand how these subjects bring a deeper understanding to their lives, other people and the world. We become the explorers, artists, writers, inventors and scientists. Through further experiences and creative thinking skills activities, children delve deeper into their understanding whilst developing new skills for a range of purposes.
We engage in many art and design projects with local artists and through Bowes Museum and all staff are committed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Lessons are topic based and planned to stimulate curiosity and develop understanding, knowledge and skills. They are designed to be fun and engaging for all pupils and inclusive for all the ages, starting points and abilities within the class.
Topic workshop or celebration days are planned termly for the whole school to show parents and the school community the learning that has been achieved within the topic, with children showing and explaining their skills and artwork to their parents and peers, giving them the opportunity to have a try too.
Impact
We use a progression of skills throughout school that teachers use to monitor progress. Understanding is evaluated through regular questioning, work produced and assessment against the objectives. As children progress throughout the school they develop their ability to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They also develop their understanding of how art and design both reflect, shape and evidence our history and contribute to different cultures.
Our children will leave Woodland Primary having had access to a diverse set of art, craft and design skills with an understanding of how this can enhance and enrich their life and can be used positively in the future as a career or a form of creative release and relaxation. They will be able to discuss and share their own thoughts, opinions and ideas about art, acknowledging, respecting and welcoming that others may feel differently.
