Art

It is our aim to enable children to become visually literate, encouraging the use and understanding of Art as a means of communication.

We believe that nurturing and developing a child’s enjoyment for art enhances their capacity to observe and learn about the world in which they live. This heightens their ability to communicate ideas and feelings thoughtfully, critically and imaginatively regardless of their ability. In order to facilitate this, children look at, handle and talk about works of art and artefacts. They evaluate their own work and that of others using art-based vocabulary. They develop their creative and technical skills enabling them to develop their ideas and produce artefacts.

Experimentation plays a large part in our curriculum as a prerequisite for promoting imaginative and original thought.

Organisation

Head of Department – Mrs M Harman

Art is taught by class teachers in Years 1 and 2. From Year 3 children use the Art Studio, which is well-equipped for the teaching of all processes including textiles, printing and ceramics. The department also has a kiln allowing children to benefit from experiencing the entire ceramic process. From Years 4 to 8 children are taught by a subject specialist or the Head of Department.

Content

Children develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through activities set out in the scheme of work (linked to the QCA Scheme of Work); however adaptations have been made to harness the beauty of the School’s site and the interests of our children. Each year group covers progressively more complex aspects of the main areas – drawing, painting, printing, sculpture and textiles.

From Years 3 to 8 children create a digital portfolio serving as a record of their work, as well as recording of their skills and research in sketchbooks, which travel with them through the School from Year 1.

Art needs to be celebrated, so the children’s work is exhibited in displays throughout the School in both its classrooms and communal areas.

Trips and Events

Children will have the opportunity to visit art galleries during their time at the School including Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, The Sainsbury’s Centre for Visual Arts and The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. A biannual school exhibition showcases the work of every child from Year 1 to Year 8. Each piece is framed and catalogued allowing children to gain a gallery experience in the spectacular setting of the Read Hall.