Intention

At Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School, we take great pride in our Art and Design learning. It is an integral part of the school and links to many other subjects taught in our broad curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to explore their thoughts and ideas through their imagination. Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding by having opportunities to practise their skills not just during Art lessons but across the Curriculum.

They learn about the achievements of artists, designers and artisans from many different times and cultures and are encouraged to share their ideas and evaluate their learning through a critical lens.

Why is Art a vital component of our school? Art teaches children to make good judgements, they learn that there is more than one solution to a problem and through art children are enabled to say what cannot be said. We encourage our pupils to reflect and think about what they are creating in a meaningful way. We want children to have no limits to what their ambitions are and to grow up wanting to be illustrators, graphic designers, fashion designers, curators, architects or printmakers. Our Art curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, whilst equipping them with the knowledge and skills to be able to experiment, invent and create their own works of art.

Implementation

At Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School, Art and Design is planned carefully to allow children from Foundation stage up to Year 6, exposure to a range of skills, building and mastering techniques so by the end of their time with us, will be proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other forms of art and design techniques.  Art is taught half termly discretely, but the sketch books are always available and support the wider curriculum, self-expression and reflection improving the children’s Mental Health and wellness   As pupils progress, they will gain a deeper understanding of how Art and Design reflects and shapes our history, and how it contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of our world. 

Starting in EYFS, the children are encouraged to explore different media, explore how media can be combined to create different effects and develop a range of skills and techniques experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. Children are given daily access to a range of creative opportunities and enjoy our carefully planned and well-resourced Creation Station. Children are encouraged to create on both small and large scales and our outdoor environment supports this well. Children are encouraged to develop their communication and language skills through talking about their creations and sharing these with others to build confidence and raise self-esteem.

Through KS1 and KS2, at Mary Tavy we are embedding the rich and diverse art curriculum by:

• Each child has a sketchbook. We give the child ownership of their sketchbook in order to foster their sense of creativity. Children use their sketchbooks to make initial sketches, develop skills, record ideas and develop opinions.
• Throughout the Mary Tavy and Brentor journey, every child is given the opportunity to learn the skills of drawing, painting, printing, sculpture and digital art through the exploration of an initial key artist, craft maker or designer and their work
• Through in-depth discussion, the pupils explore how their art can share commonalities with famous art and use subject-specific vocabulary to discuss key artworks and their own work.
• In the development of confident art critics, the pupils share their opinions and make informed observations about what will improve their own practical work during circle time and group discussions
• Cross-curricular links are promoted to allow all children to deepen their understanding across the curriculum, including the use of technology, and artworks from year group specific historical, geographical and scientific contexts.
• Opportunities for children to visit local art galleries and museums are planned for, as well as visits from local artists.
• Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensures all pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge.
• Celebrating effort, progress and achievement in art through displays, exhibitions and enrichment activities, such as trips out and competitions.