Art and Design

Art and Design Curriculum Statement 2024-25

Intent

At Mount Carmel, we aim for our art curriculum to offer opportunities for every child to communicate their thoughts, ideas, emotions and experiences of the diverse world around them. Their art education will enable them to develop a wide range of skills necessary for effective self-expression and the critical appreciation of art in its many and varied forms.

All pupils will be taught art and design which will engage, inspire and challenge them. Their developing knowledge and skills will equip them to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. The curriculum is planned and structured to extend previous knowledge and so as pupils become artists, they will be taught to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. We aim for our children to use the local area as inspiration, to learn from other cultures and to respect diversity. To that end, we have carefully selected a wide range of unique and diverse artists, craft makers and designers for the children to study.

Our pupils will 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.

· Learn about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Implementation

At Mount Carmel, we implement a curriculum that is progressive from Nursery to Year 6. Art is taught each term for half a term, focusing on the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum. At the beginning of each unit of work, we review previous learning to help the children retain knowledge and to begin to contextualise the new unit of study. Relevant vocabulary will be taught in context and children will be able to apply this language successfully in their art lessons.

In the summer term, there will be a whole school art week to celebrate the importance of art in our curriculum. Each class will undertake an in depth study of their chosen artist and display their art work in a shared area for parents to view.

A range of inclusive teaching and learning strategies will be used in every lesson to capture pupils’ interest and to promote effective learning and progress for all children including those with Special educational needs (SEND), disadvantaged pupils and those with English as an additional language. In order to develop more able pupils, opportunities will be provided for them to communicate their findings in different formats and apply their knowledge and skills in a wider context.

Pupils’ progress is secured through pre-assessment at the beginning of each unit to pre- teach vocabulary and context, including building on concepts encountered in previous units. During pre- assessment, gaps in understanding are established and unit planning will be adapted to address gaps and misconceptions in lessons. Pupils’ understanding of key concepts are assessed during lessons. At the end of each unit of work, we collate and evaluate our assessments.

Classrooms will display vocabulary linked to the unit of study, alongside information about the artist and examples of pupils work. Sketchbooks will be started in Year 1 and kept in large art folders with children’s work. The learning objectives for each unit of study will be stuck in the sketchbooks and shared with the class. The sketchbooks and folders will then go up with the children to the next class.

Impact

During their time at Mount Carmel, children will benefit from a rich, broad and balanced programme of art and design. They will experience and experiment with a wide range of materials as they explore art forms and grow and flourish as artists. They will build a growing awareness of the art and design which runs through their own history, culture and other cultures as they are introduced to the world of artists, craft makers, designers and architects and their works of art. They will have opportunities to visit art galleries to broaden their horizons and to appreciate great works of art. In this way, pupils will be equipped with artistic skills and knowledge to prepare them for the key stage 3 curriculum.

Through pupil voices, evidence in sketchbooks, art displays and the website, children will be able to express the skills and knowledge they have acquired. They will be able to engage in discussions during lessons and demonstrate a developing interest in art.

Assessment and monitoring will show that a high standard is expected in this subject.

Mrs S. Liversage - Art lead

Below is a video of our Art Gallery for parents (Summer 2023)