Art and Design

Every child is an artist – some just do not realise it. Art fuels their imagination and at St James’ our Art curriculum aims to inspire and challenge pupils equipping them with the skills and knowledge to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. These are practical subjects that stimulate creativity and imagination. Children are encouraged to develop a range of skills and concepts and the knowledge to enable them to express their ideas in visual and tactile form. They are also encouraged to develop an understanding and appreciation of a range of art forms; to acquire an interest in the natural and man-made environment; to show an awareness of the processes and consequences of design; to make informed and critical responses to their work and the work of others. Please check our Curriculum, Overviews and Knowledge Organisers below

Art Curriculum at St James Church of England Primary School

Art and Design Curriculum Overview 22-23

Key Learning in Art & Design Years 1 and 2

Key Learning in Art & Design Years 3 and 4

Key Learning in Art & Design Years 5 and 6

Art Policy

Art in Action at St James'

Yr4 Art - Painting (Light and Dark)

During their first art lesson of the half term, Year 4 started by looking at Painting and mixed media. They explored tints and shades and investigated how to alter colours and shades by adding a range of white and black. They produced a superb range of shades. We are looking forward to how these ski

Yr4 Art - Painting (Light and Dark)

Yr6 Art - Chiaroscuro

During Art and Design, Yr6 used charcoal and masking tape to explore creating work using Chiaroscuro (an Italian term which translates as light-dark). They selected a Mayan month to develop a 3D image using the technique. Well done everybody.

Yr6 Art - Chiaroscuro

Nursery Art - Observational Paintings

In Nursery, the children enjoyed doing observational paintings of the pumpkins. They felt the pumpkins, had a closer look and talked about it before doing the activity. The children focused on using correct techniques when painting their amazing pumpkins.

Nursery Art - Observational Paintings

At St James’ Haslingden, we believe that all children should be given the opportunity to be inspired by different art forms, artists, architects and designers. We aim to foster a love of Art and Design which enables children to express their own creativity and style as an artist, whilst developing and extending their skills to achieve great things. Our curriculum aims to engage and challenge our children, equipping them with what they need to live life in all its fullness.

Art, craft and design embodies some of the highest forms of creativity and we understand the positive effects it can have on children’s mental health and well-being. We encourage children to adopt a growth mindset as Artists, where we believe that anything is possible and our mistakes only strengthen our understanding and learning experiences. We intend for children to take part in meaningful discussions to analyse their own work and the works of others. Through these discussions, we aim for our children to understand the historical and cultural development of the Art forms that they study and how these now contribute to the wealth of our Nation.

The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum at St James’ Haslingden is based on the National Curriculum with support from the Kapow Primary Art Scheme. The Kapow Scheme provides a rich and varied curriculum with many opportunities to study different Art forms and Artists. We alternate Art every half-term with Design Technology and teach through a series of planned and sequential lessons. We look for additional opportunities to weave Art through other subjects as part of our topics and celebrations in school.

In Early Years, children explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They are given opportunities to explore their creativity through well-planned continuous provision and focus on key artists and skills across the year.

During each Art unit, lessons are taught weekly for 1 hour in KS1 and in KS2. Every child has their own sketchbook. This enables Teachers to model skills and techniques effectively whilst also demonstrating positive attitudes towards Art and Design. Creativity and independent outcomes are embedded into each Art unit, supporting children in learning how to make their own creative choices and decisions so that their outcomes, whilst knowledge-rich, are unique to each child. Knowledge organisers are provided for each unit to support children in their knowledge by encouraging recall of key facts and vocabulary.

Children in Early Years are assessed within Expressive Arts and Design and their progress is tracked termly using target tracker. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile is reported to parents at the end of the Reception year.

In KS1 and KS2, Class Teachers use formative assessments throughout the year, providing regular feedback to children throughout their lessons. Teachers use this information to identify gaps in learning to ensure children are supported and challenged appropriately, including those with SEND.

Our Art curriculum proves to have a positive impact on our children’s well-being, with many children sharing their love of Art with school leaders and parents.