Art at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary Academy

Here at St. Peter and St. Paul, we believe that art is an extremely important subject to teach, with many, sometimes hidden, values. Art helps to develop imagination, self-expression and creativity. Art helps to develop self-confidence, self-discipline and resilience. Art helps to develop critical thinking. Art aids relaxation and well-being. According to tate.org.uk, ‘Schools that integrate arts into their curriculum show improved student performance in Maths, English, critical thinking and verbal skills’. 

Intent

We offer a structure and sequence of lessons to ensure we have covered the skills required to meet the aims of the National Curriculum. The intent is to ensure all pupils produce creative, imaginative work. Children have the opportunity to explore their ideas and record their experiences, as well as exploring the work of others and evaluate different creative ideas. Children will become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting, as well as other selected craft skills, e.g. collage, printing, weaving and patterns. Children will also develop their knowledge of famous artists, designers and craft makers. Children will develop their interest and curiosity about art and design through a series of lessons offering skills progression, knowledge progression and offering children the opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate their skills in a variety of ways. The lessons will offer the chance for children to develop their emotional expression through art to further enhance their personal, social and emotional development. 

Implementation

A series of lessons, within each year group, will offer structure and narrative, whilst each key stage focuses on different themes to ensure continued interest in the subject as well as acquiring new knowledge. The lessons will develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design. Children will learn how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Impact

Art and design learning is enjoyed by teachers and pupils across school. Teachers have high expectations and quality evidence is presented in a variety of ways. All children use technical vocabulary accurately and pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified. Children improve their enquiry skills and inquisitiveness about the world around them, and their impact through art and design on the world. Children will become more confident in analysing their work and giving their opinion on their own and other works of art. Children show competences in improving their resilience and perseverance by continually evaluating and improving their work. All children in school can speak confidently about their art and design work and their skills.