Our Approach to the Teaching and Learning of Art and Design at St Mary’s School

 At St Mary’s, we aim to instil an appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts.  Art and design stimulates imagination and creativity; involving children in a range of visual, tactile and sensory experiences, which enable them to communicate what they see, think and feel through the use of the elements of colour, texture, form and pattern.  Art and design promotes careful observation and an appreciation of the world around us. Children explore ideas and meanings through studying the work of artists and designers. Through learning about the roles and functions of art, they can explore the impact it has had on contemporary life and on different periods and cultures.
 
Through our discrete teaching of art, our children will develop the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.
 
Units of work have been chosen that will enable the children to meet the National Curriculum requirements. They are sequenced in an age appropriate way that allows for progression of skills and knowledge. Our Art curriculum is delivered through high quality teaching that is differentiated and personalised in order to meet the individual needs of our children, including those with SEND.
 
We use lots of opportunities to bring the National Curriculum to life and make the children’s learning relevant. Trips to Battersea Park enables children to study Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth as well as an opportunity to sketch the natural environment. Being in a part of London with so much amazing art and design on our doorstep, The Windrush Statue at Waterloo station, Battersea Power Station, Albert Bridge. Our Year 2 and 4 children visit Art Galleries to stimulate a sense of awe and wonder.

EYFS Educational Programme – Expressive Art and Design

The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.

EYFS Educational Programme – Physical Development

Fine motor control and precision helps with hand-eye co-ordination which is later linked to early literacy. Repeated and varied opportunities to explore and play with small world activities, puzzles, arts and crafts and the practice of using small tools, with feedback and support from adults, allow children to develop proficiency, control and confidence.

Art and Design Curriculum Road Map Year 1 – Year 6

Art and Design Curriculum Milestone Year 1 – Year 6

Single Use Planet was a free art exhibition at Southside Shopping Centre, open 19 April to 5 May 2023, of giant plastic jellyfish created by local school children. Over the 17 days the exhibition was open, over 1,900 pupils and members of the public came along to admire the artwork.

Please click below to view Single Use Plastic Exhibition 2023