Art Curriculum

At St Erth School we offer a structure and sequence of lessons that cover the skills required to meet the aims of the national curriculum. The intent is to ensure all pupils produce creative, imaginative pieces of art. Children will have the opportunity to explore their ideas and record their experiences, as well as exploring the work of others and evaluate different creative ideas. During their time at St Erth, children will become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting, as well as other selected craft skills, e.g. collage and printing. Children will also develop their knowledge of famous artists, designers and craft makers that are carefully selected to represent local artists and more commonly known artists. The lessons will offer the chance for all children to develop their emotional expression through art to further enhance their personal, social and emotional development. Art offers the opportunity for all pupils to explore and  learn together. Where necessary, pupils with SEND will have lessons adapted for their learning so that the curriculum is full accessible.

At St Erth School art lessons are sequenced to ensure that the progression of skills and knowledge are built upon from year to year. Each key stage, including EYFS focuses on different themes and artists to ensure continued interest in the subject as well as acquiring new knowledge. The lessons will develop pupils’ techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design. This will be implemented by a carefully crafted sequence of lesson that gradually build up skills and knowledge. In all Key Stages we will follow a develop and master approach to learning skills and techniques.

Pupils will also begin to understand how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Through the implementation of St Erth School’s Art and Design programme of study, pupils in our school will leave year 6 having experience of producing creative works of art, exploring their own ideas and recording their experiences in different forms of artistic media.

Throughout the different Key Stages pupils will have developed and improved their skills in drawing and painting. They will have experimented with different techniques and used these creatively.

At St Erth we have carefully selected a range of great artists, craft makers and designers to study, and pupils will understand the positive impact that art can have on society and individuals. Pupils will leave St Erth with a healthy respect and admiration for all forms of art whilst acknowledging that art is subjective and personal tastes differ. They will be confident in analysing their work and that of others and will be able to use their sketch book to confidently talk about their art experiences and learning.

To make art and design lessons inclusive, teachers at St Erth School anticipate the barriers to taking part and learning skills that may arise for pupils with particular SEND. We consider ways of minimising or reducing those barriers so that all pupils can fully take part and learn. In some activities, pupils with SEND will be able to take part in the same way as their peers. In others, some modifications or adjustments will need to be made to include everyone.

For some activities, teachers may provide a ‘parallel’ activity for pupils with SEND so that they can work towards the same lesson objectives as their peers, but in a different way.

Some key points we consider:

• where it would be useful to pre-tutor important art and design vocabulary, concepts, and processes

• whether pupils need support in using art and design equipment or additional tools and equipment may be needed

• additional adults need to be clear about the sequencing and importance of the processes in a task and be clear on this when supporting children with SEND