Art and Design Curriculum Intent

Our aim is to nurture children ‘towards a better life’ by providing a richly inspiring curriculum, suitable for all. They will be motivated by their school experience to achieve their personal potential in readiness for the next chapter in their lives. We challenge children to strive for academic, creative, sporting and personal accomplishment within a broad and balanced curriculum. Our twelve core Values underpin everything we do within our inclusive school, where diversity is celebrated and children are taught to be members of the local, national and international community.

In their Art lessons, the children will: produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences; become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques; evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design; know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Art and Design Curriculum Implementation

The art and design curriculum is taught through the progression of art and design techniques using a range of media and materials. Children experience 3 alternate half-terms of art each year, this allows them to build upon knowledge and skills, whilst develop recall skills which will ensure that learning is embedded in their long term memory.

Children learn the skills of textiles, sketching and painting, collage, digital media and printing. The foundation of each unit is creative ideas for our art work linked to other curriculum areas such as science, history or geography. In each unit, children are given opportunities to explore and evaluate ideas. The study of great artists is developed over time and children gain knowledge and appreciation for a wide range of British and global artists. We encourage visits from local artists to inspire the children and spark their creativity.

Click here for our full Art and Design Curriculum Map and Skills Progression Document

Art and Design Curriculum Impact

The art and design curriculum provides contextual opportunities for the development of SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) learning objectives. In addition, the subject actively promotes the fundamental British values through knowledge that art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. We nurture creativity, imagination and a growth mindset within pupils which has benefits across the school curriculum. Children apply PSHE learning objectives whilst reflecting and evaluating their work and works of others. They are encouraged to take risks, experiment and incorporate Oracy skills to reflect on why some ideas and techniques are successful or not. Children at Maulden Lower School will build a portfolio of artwork.

We measure the impact of our Art and Design Curriculum through:

• teacher assessment of pupils' achievement
• pupil surveys and pupil voice activities
• parent surveys
• lesson observations
• monitoring pupils' work
• curriculum reviews
• behaviour and attendance
• interest in extra curricular activities