Here at St Joseph’s we believe that a quality Art and Design curriculum should develop children’s creativity and love of expression through art. We enhance their ability to research, design and create their own unique artwork through the excellent teaching of a bespoke, themed curriculum.
Teaching of Art
For Key Stage 1 and 2, the teaching of Art is woven into every termly, themed topic which is closely linked to each class’ Science, History and Geography lessons. In addition to this, every term KS1/2 take part in Arts and Diversity Week, in which each class studies a different artist all week, making cross-curricular links by researching, designing and creating art inspired by their unique artist. These artists were carefully selected in order to include a wide range of ages, genders, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. We feel this is important because providing expanded cultural capital exposure for our pupils is one of our top priorities. In Early Years, art is explored as part of our daily learning journey. With Expressive Arts and Design being a Specific Area of the EYFS curriculum, it is integral for early years pupils to be submerged in engaging environment with access to creative continuous provision, with daily opportunities for sensory exploration. Alongside inspiring the imagination, art in the early years provides endless opportunities for being creative and thinking critically. Art-based learning experiences enable a child to test hypotheses, ideas and processes, often discovering new techniques by accident.
Curriculum Intent
Our intent is to ensure all pupils produce creative, imaginative work. Children have the opportunity to explore their ideas and record their experiences, as well as exploring the work of others and evaluate different creative ideas. 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, printing, weaving and patterns. Children will develop their interest and curiosity about art and design through a series of lessons offering skills progression, knowledge progression and the opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate their skills in a variety of ways.
