The art curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge. Children are introduced to a range of diverse artists and craftspeople, who have played a key role in shaping our history and explore colour, form, patterns, line and texture through a variety of techniques and processes. By the end of Year 6, children will have acquired the skills and artistic experiences needed to fuel their imagination and allow them to flourish as artists.
Our approach to teaching art allows children to develop their mastery in drawing, painting and sculpture, and be able to understand and recall historical developments expressed in a variety of art forms. We understand the importance of developing an appreciation of the arts, as this helps to deepen a child’s understanding of the world around them. By teaching our children about great artists and artworks they will be able to develop their cultural understanding and apply critical thinking skills.
At Paxton Academy, we teach through a balance of both observational and experimental activities so that children can represent the world around them but also feel confident experimenting with techniques and ideas. We encourage creativity in our children’s sketchbooks, which are designed to gather information, explore and develop skills, and record responses from their experiences within art, craft and design sessions. At the end of each unit there are opportunities for the children to reflect and evaluate their own pieces of work as well as give and receive feedback from staff and their peers. This strengthens their ability to acknowledge and learn from constructive criticism and use these next steps to improve or modify their work.
To ensure consistency throughout the school, leaders ensure that:
· Staff receive regular planning support where and when needed
· Topics are reviewed to meet the needs of pupils
· Links are made with other curriculum areas where appropriate
· Half termly book looks, planning scrutiny and pupil voice takes place to ensure consistency
· Learning walks provide opportunities for both formal and informal feedback
· Regular investment in up to date art resources
As a result of this, pupils make good progress from their starting points and teaching and learning is consistent.
