Pittington Primary School

Art and Design Curriculum Intent

Our Art Lead is: Mr Wright

Our Art Link Governor is: Mrs Catchpole

“Creativity takes courage”
Henri Matisse

“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else”
Sydney Gurewitz Clemens

At Pittington we recognize that art and design, for most children, is a natural form of expression as well as being a source of enjoyment and pleasure which can stimulate creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences which can engage, inspire and challenge children equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Our curriculum is planned
so that children can develop their creative and imaginative talents through learning skills and techniques using
a variety of material and tools.

The children make use of their sketch books to collect information and ideas and record initial ideas and techniques. They also develop the skills to enable them to refine their techniques and as a result the final outcome.

Children also gain knowledge of different forms of art and discuss the cultural, historical and social contexts of art. They learn about the work of artists, craft makers, designers and sculptors making links between these and their own work. Our art and design curriculum enables our children to be creative and to be artists and allows them to appreciate and evaluate the work of a range of artists from their own and other cultures and other
periods in history.

Art in the Early Years
The children in the Early Years are encouraged to explore a range of materials, tools and techniques,experimenting with colour, shapes and textures.  They are encouraged to represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through art and design and be curious about their work.

Art in Key Stages 1 and 2
We follow the National Curriculum for Art and Design across Key Stages 1 and 2. When children leave Key Stage 2 we expect then to be able to:

• Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art form.

Art and design is taught across the school by teaching staff who are all non-specialists in teaching the subject. However, the curriculum is well planned across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and 2 with support given by the subject lead and staff who show a particular interest.

Cross Curricular Links
Art and Design is a creative subject and links with who we are as individuals, what we see around us and how we interpret this as well as what we create using our hands.

In the Early Years and Key Stage 1 children learn about art and design in their environment and begin to develop an understanding of colour, shape, space, texture and pattern and use these to explore their ideas and feelings.

This links with science where children explore the natural world of form, colour and pattern. Links between art and maths are made when children describe shapes, measure and draw often using rulers, protractors and compasses. In addition, symmetry is used in both maths and art and design.
Children make links between art, RE history and geography as they learn about ancient cultures and civilizations.

In the National Curriculum, children study the works and ideas of different artists, designers and craft people and many of these people have used inspiration from a range of sources. Kandinsky explored music as his source of inspiration.

However, art and design lessons should always focus on the National Curriculum and although content from other areas can enhance the learning art and design must remain the main focus.
 

Equality of Opportunity
Pittington Primary School is committed to giving all of our pupils every equal opportunity in all aspects of school life. Our aim is to offer an inclusive curriculum that is relevant and adapted to the needs and abilities of all pupils. We ensure inclusive opportunities for raising self-esteem and celebrating success so that all learners can reach their true full potential.

At Pittington Primary School we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers irrespective of race, religion, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We provide an environment which enables every pupil to feel safe, encourages good health and wellbeing, and promotes relationships that are trustful and respectful. We believe that every teacher is a teacher of all children including those with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) and it is our duty to value each individual child to enable them to enjoy learning through an inclusive curriculum. It is our aim to continue to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity, where all children have the ability to participate fully in school life, and where children are confident learners both for now and for their futures.

We tackle any type of discriminatory behaviour or prejudice through the positive promotion of equality, by challenging bullying and stereotypes and by creating an environment which champions respect for all. We provide all our pupils with the opportunity to succeed and to reach the highest level of personal achievement. We work in partnership with parents, carers, staff, governors and local services within our community to prepare children from Pittington Primary School for life in a diverse society. We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be reflected and celebrated by all who learn, teach and visit Pittington Primary School.

Fundamental British Values
British Values is defined by the Department for Education as:

• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies to England
• Support for equality of opportunity for all
• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• Respect for and tolerance of difference faiths and religious and other beliefs

At Pittington Primary School, we ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and permeate the ethos and work of the school. The curriculum provides a vehicle for furthering and deepening an understanding of these concepts.

We actively encourage the children at our school to be unique, creative, independent and open-minded individuals who respect themselves and others in our school, the local community and across the wider world.

Our aim is to nurture our children on their journey through primary school so that they can grow into caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who can, and will make, a positive difference to society across Britain and the world.