Art and Design at St. Monica's

Intent

At St Monica’s Catholic Primary school, we are dedicated to the teaching of art and design. We see this as a fundamental part of school life and are committed to providing an ‘Arts Rich Curriculum’ for all children, inspiring them to think innovatively and develop creative procedural understanding. We see art and design as a means to support learning in a range of ways:

• Engaging in creative and artistic work which explore their ideas. (As referenced by the Education Endowment Foundation Projects – Arts Participation 5th September 2018)
• Becoming proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• Evaluating and analysing creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• Knowing about great artists, craft makers, architects and designers and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

We believe that children should:

• Have opportunities to access a high quality art and design education
• Be inspired and encouraged to engage in challenging activities
• Be equipped with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create

Implementation

The Art and Design curriculum ensure the intent statement is at the forefront of our practice. Planning for art and design is a process which all teachers are involved to ensure the school gives full coverage of the ‘National Curriculum programmes of study for art and design 2014’ and ‘Understanding of the World in Early Years Foundation Stage’. To ensure high standards of teaching and learning, in art and design, St Monica’s have appointed a coordinator within each key stage. As part of their planning process, coordinators and teachers ensure that:

• There is an investment in professional artists to create a meaningful context for learning where applicable. Opportunities are taken to develop links with outside agencies and experts in order to enrich our Art and Design provision. (As referenced by the Education Endowment Foundation Projects – The Arts Education Review – 18th February 2016) 
• High quality resources are used to support the children’s learning and are regularly reviewed.
• Teachers ensure that the curriculum is ambitious and progressive in both skills and knowledge and is inclusive to all pupils.
• Meaningful cross-curricular links are developed to deepen children’s understanding, wherever possible.

Impact

The impact and measure of art and design is that all children think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. At St Monica’s art, craft and design learning is loved by teachers and pupils across school. Teachers and children have high expectations and they strive to reach their full potential with confidence. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of art, craft and design and its place within the wider artistic context. Art, craft and design at St Monica’s extends children’s interest and knowledge beyond their immediate experiences. The visual, auditory and kinaesthetic approach to teaching and learning is fundamental in all our curriculum provision.

Children will begin to make relevant links from art, craft and design to other curriculum subjects, such as history and geography. They will develop the ability to be able to compare their work with pupil’s previous work, to be able to select appropriate materials, develop their organisational and collaborative skills, respond to the visual curriculum and be able to make judgements of their own and other’s development. Assessment is crucial in improving learning. Feedback is continually given to children which leads to better outcomes in art, craft and design. We want the children to thoroughly enjoy learning about art, craft and design therefore encourage them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future and be able to understand the part they play in it.

They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. By the end of each key stage the children will know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.