“To inspire creativity by engaging and challenging children to experiment, invent and create their own work. Thereby recognising how art reflects and shapes history, making links to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.”

Mrs A Ringer – Art Lead

 Intent

Art engages and challenges pupils and embodies some of the highest forms of human creativity. It allows our students to find their own voice and opinions; to develop critical thinking and to confidently express themselves through their creativity in a range of art media. We strive to unlock our pupils’ creativity and true potential with a rich and diverse art curriculum and through the exploration of art from both classical masters and contemporary artists.

 

Implementation 

We teach a knowledge-rich and skills-rich curriculum where the children progress through the school acquiring new skills and understanding built upon what they have learnt previously. Children learn how art and design both reflect and shape our history and contribute to the culture of our nation.

In Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils have a range of opportunities to develop creatively through sculpture, pencil work, paint and collage. In Key Stage 2, pupils look in depth at the work of significant artists bringing concepts together to produce precise and carefully designed artwork extending previous learning and providing new experiences. At St. Botolph’s, our pupils are given the opportunity to enrich their learning through a range of additional experiences including art clubs, the celebration of their work through display and visits to galleries and museums.

Our structured and sequenced art lessons enable comprehensive coverage of the National Curriculum, and we provide the physical art and craft resources to ensure pupils and teachers can fully achieve its expectations. Teachers assess learning using key assessment questioning and observation to support pupils with development of practical art skills which are revisited in a spiral curriculum and progress in depth and challenge.

 

Impact 

Impact will be measured through the progress of children’s skills, knowledge and understanding over time. Evidence of this will be gathered from day-to-day observations of the pupils’ practical work; drawings, sketches and other practice work from their sketchbooks which stay with them throughout; as well as their finished artwork at the end of each project.

At the end of their time at St. Botolph’s, pupils will have learned, improved and embedded a range of artistic skills and knowledge. Moreover, they will have the confidence to explore, experiment and take risks, placing emphasis on the process and not just the finished product. Most importantly they will have found and experienced a diverse creative outlet – a means of self-expression and enjoyment.