Knowledge-Rich, Diversity-Led Curriculum
Art and Design Curriculum
"I do not want art for a few any more than I want education for a few or freedom for a few." William Morris, textile designer, poet, novelist, translator and activist born in Walthamstow
Intent
"Children know something that most people have forgotten." Keith Haring, artist
Art and design is a vital part of children’s education here at Stoneydown and has a significant and valuable role in the taught curriculum, as well as the enrichment opportunities we offer our pupils.
The art curriculum will develop children’s critical abilities and understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritages through studying a diverse range of artists. It is our intention to offer all pupils a high-quality art and design education that engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.
Children will develop their understanding of the visual language of art with effective teaching and considered sequences of lessons and experiences. Understanding of the visual elements of art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form) through the use a range of media and materials (drawing media, paint, print, sculpture, textiles, photography, digital media and ceramics) will be developed by providing a curriculum which will enable children to reach their full potential.
As pupils make progress they will be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of the fundamental attributes of an artist or designer. We encourage pupils to reach their full potential through our provision of quality teaching and learning experiences.
Implementation
"Being creative is not so much the desire to do something as the listening to that which wants to be done." Anni Albers, artist
Art and Design at Stoneydown Park Primary is taught using a thematic curriculum from the Early Years through to the end of Key Stage Two. Leaders, and our specialist art teacher, provide effective support for those teaching outside their main areas of expertise and as a result, teachers have good knowledge of the art and design curriculum. The school’s high-quality art curriculum is supported through the availability of a wide range of quality resources, including a bespoke art room, which are used to support children’s confidence in the use of different media. The school’s unique locality, well known for its creative community, is also utilised, with planned opportunities for learning outside the classroom, as well as the involvement of adults with specialist skills from the local and wider community. Lessons are coherently planned and sequenced and teachers present content clearly, promoting appropriate discussion and ensuring pupils can evaluate the work of a diverse range of artists and designers they have studied as well as their own artwork. They check pupils’ understanding of how to use art and design as a means of self-expression, identify misconceptions accurately and provide clear, direct feedback. In doing so, they respond and adapt their art teaching as necessary.
Impact
“To make people free is the aim of art, therefore I see art as the science of freedom.” Joseph Beuys, artist
Stoneydown Park teachers use a variety of strategies such as regular and consistent feedback, coherently planned and challenging learning experiences and the use of individual sketchbooks and photographic documentation to evaluate the knowledge, skills and understanding that our children have gained in art and design. As a result, pupils develop detailed knowledge and skills across the art and design curriculum and achieve the best possible outcomes producing work of a high quality. The school environment celebrates children’s achievements in art and demonstrates the subject’s status in the school, with outcomes, including sculptures, enhancing the outdoor, as well as indoor, environment. Our pupils are equipped with the essential art and design knowledge and skills needed for the next stage in their education and, where relevant, they gain qualifications that allow them to go on to destinations that meet their interests and aspirations.
Enrichment
At Stoneydown Park Primary, we maximise children’s art and design learning by providing them with a range of rich and memorable experiences. Reflecting a topic-based approach, we offer our pupils an extensive range of planned opportunities, for example, learning from expert artists or designers, participating in bespoke workshops or visiting the wealth of galleries London has to offer. Working collaboratively with the local community, pupils gain an insight into joint ventures, working within industry and the local environment.