Art

Art

Art at St Chad’s Catholic Primary School

At St Chad’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that Art plays an important role in allowing pupils to express their creativity, develop their imagination and explore the world around them. Rooted in our Catholic ethos, we encourage pupils to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and to respond creatively through artistic expression.

Our Art curriculum provides opportunities for all pupils to explore a range of materials, techniques and artistic styles. Through studying the work of a diverse range of artists, designers and craft makers, pupils develop an understanding of how art reflects culture, history and faith. We aim to inspire pupils to be confident, creative individuals who are able to communicate their ideas through art.

Intent

At St Chad’s, our Art curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop creativity, imagination and confidence in artistic expression
• acquire a range of practical artistic skills including drawing, painting, sculpture, printing and collage
• learn about significant artists, designers and craft makers from different cultures and time periods
• develop the ability to observe, evaluate and discuss artwork using appropriate artistic vocabulary
• appreciate the role of art within culture, history and the wider world
• take pride in their creative work and develop resilience when refining and improving their ideas.

Our curriculum ensures pupils build knowledge and skills progressively as they move through the school, enabling them to deepen their understanding of artistic techniques and develop their own personal style.

Implementation

Art is taught through carefully sequenced units that build pupils’ knowledge and skills over time. Each unit focuses on developing specific artistic techniques while also exploring the work of influential artists.

Pupils learn to work with a range of materials including pencil, paint, clay, textiles and mixed media. Through these experiences they develop an understanding of colour, line, shape, texture and form.

Sketchbooks are used throughout the school as a key tool for developing ideas. Pupils use sketchbooks to practise techniques, explore creative ideas and reflect on their work. This allows children to experiment freely and develop confidence in the artistic process.

Key vocabulary is explicitly taught to enable pupils to discuss artistic techniques and evaluate their own work and the work of others. Teachers model how to analyse artwork, helping pupils to develop critical thinking and appreciation of different artistic styles.

Our curriculum introduces pupils to a wide range of artists, both historical and contemporary. By studying artists from different cultures and backgrounds, pupils gain an understanding of how art reflects society, beliefs and identity.

Progression

In Early Years, children begin by exploring colour, texture and materials through play and creative experimentation. They learn to express ideas through mark making, painting and model making.

In Key Stage 1, pupils develop foundational artistic skills including drawing, colour mixing and simple printing. They begin to explore the work of artists and describe what they see using simple vocabulary.

In Key Stage 2, pupils refine their techniques and gain greater control over materials. They develop the ability to plan and improve their work, study artists in more depth and evaluate artwork using increasingly sophisticated vocabulary.

This progression ensures pupils continually build upon prior learning and develop confidence as young artists.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Chad’s, they will have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to express themselves creatively through a range of artistic techniques.

Pupils will be able to:

• use a range of materials and techniques confidently
• understand the work of a variety of artists and artistic movements
• evaluate and improve their own work and the work of others
• communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings through artistic expression.

The impact of the Art curriculum is evident through pupils’ sketchbooks, classroom displays and the artwork produced across the school. Regular monitoring by the subject leader ensures progression of skills and consistency in teaching across all year groups.