At Denmead Infant School, Art is taught as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. We provide an inclusive environment in which every child is able to develop a wide range of skills through exciting and engaging units, whilst taking pride in their outcomes. Children are provided with the opportunities to use and explore a range of media. Drawing, painting and sculpture are used to develop and share ideas, experiences and imagination. Children develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.
Our curriculum design allows children to develop their subject knowledge, skills and understanding whilst promoting their spiritual, moral, social, cultural and mental development which prepares them for future opportunities and experiences.
Children learn about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers. They are shown how to describe the differences and similarities they see and make links to their own work. As part of the children’s learning journey we provide a progression and development from their Early Years experiences into Key stage 1. We recognise that children are motivated and inspired by meaningful first hand experiences and the learning journeys are planned to culminate in a clear outcome e.g. an art gallery display.
Our intention is to develop confident, enthusiastic and creative individuals who are able to express their own ideas and opinions. We want our children to be able to evaluate their own ideas and to value and appreciate the contributions of others.
Art helps children to express emotions, see the world imaginatively and enriches their lives .
At Denmead Infant School our provision for teaching and learning across the art curriculum enables children to be creative and expressive. In Key Stage 1, we follow the Programmes of Study in the National Curriculum and in Year R, our provision for Art falls within the Educational Programme for the Expressive Arts and Design in Development Matters.
We ensure there is a clear progression of learning that enables children to build on and refine skills and knowledge whilst being encouraged to express ideas and collaborate together. Learning is systematically planned to ensure there are opportunities to refine, extend and deepen understanding. This also means that children extend their own knowledge and gain a deeper understanding. Children are encouraged and given extensive opportunities to explore a variety of materials, artistic effects and given time to share ideas and collaborate. Teachers ensure that children explore and learn to use materials and tools safely and are encouraged to develop independence. The experiences we provide enable children to develop their ability to notice features in the natural world and be able to discuss them with others.
We aim to challenge, enthuse and involve all learners through an enquiry-based cycle of learning. The learning journey from Year R through to the end of Year 2 is carefully planned and sequenced so children are able to reflect on the development of their skills and knowledge. An example of this is the sketch books provided for each child they start in year R and then the book moves with them through to the end of year 2, enabling children to reflect on their learning journeys in art.
We believe that part of the provision needs to include opportunities to be inspired by a range of artists and first-hand experiences. Through this process children are able to develop techniques and be encouraged to discuss things they like and dislike.
