The subject leader for Art is Miss Watson

What does Art and Design look like at our school?

At our school, we believe that Art and Design is an inspiring and creative subject that encourages children to express themselves, develop confidence and explore the world around them. Through our Art and Design curriculum, delivered using the Kapow Primary Scheme of Work, pupils are provided with exciting opportunities to experiment, create and reflect on their artistic journey.

Our curriculum is designed to develop children's knowledge, skills and understanding across a range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture and printing. Pupils explore the work of a diverse range of artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures, time periods and backgrounds, helping them to develop an appreciation of art and its place in society.

Children learn through a progressive sequence of lessons that build artistic knowledge and skills over time. They are encouraged to:

• Generate and develop their own creative ideas.
• Experiment with a variety of materials, tools and techniques.
• Record observations and ideas in sketchbooks.
• Learn about significant artists, designers and craftspeople.
• Evaluate and discuss their own work and the work of others using artistic vocabulary.
• Develop resilience, independence and confidence as creative learners.

Through the Kapow curriculum, pupils revisit and build upon prior learning, ensuring that knowledge and skills are carefully sequenced and progressively developed from Reception through to Year 6. Practical, hands-on experiences enable children to explore, create and refine their work while developing technical skills and artistic understanding.

By the time pupils leave our school, they will have developed a strong foundation in Art and Design, an appreciation of creativity in the wider world and the confidence to express themselves through a range of artistic mediums.

Our Art and Design Curriculum Aims

We aim for all pupils to:

• Develop creativity, imagination and self-expression.
• Acquire a wide range of artistic skills and techniques.
• Explore and respond to the work of artists, designers and craftspeople.
• Use sketchbooks effectively to develop and refine ideas.
• Evaluate and improve their own artwork.
• Develop a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of art and design.

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." – Pablo Picasso

This curriculum provides our pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become creative thinkers and successful artists of the future.

How Do We Teach Art and Design at Irk Valley?

Curriculum Documents

Art & Design at Home

We encourage children to continue exploring their creativity beyond the classroom. Art helps children develop imagination, problem-solving skills, confidence and self-expression.

Here are some excellent websites offering fun and engaging art activities for families to enjoy together:

• Tate Kids - Explore famous artists, play creative games and try exciting art projects.
• Red Ted Art - Simple craft ideas using everyday materials and recycled objects.
• National Gallery - Discover great artworks and take inspiration for your own creations.
• BBC Teach - Watch art videos and learn new artistic techniques.

Remember, art can be created anywhere. A pencil, some paper and a little imagination are all you need to get started! 🎨✨

Art and Design Experiences

Year 6 have been working with a professional artists to create prints linked to their WW2 topic. They were introduced to a range (and sometimes very messy!) printing techniques.