Dundonald Primary School

Art - Teaching & Learning

Art comes in many forms: craft, painting, printing, sketching, digital art, mixed-media and sculpture to name but a few. It has the ability to be weaved throughout the curriculum and we do not under-estimate its importance. Research suggests that the arts develop creativity, a core prerequisite of innovative mindsets, communicative attitudes and problem solving. Furthermore, the teaching and learning of art has been proven to have a positive impact on handwriting, social skills and overall well-being.

The National Curriculum for Art aims to ensure that all pupils:

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

'DfE KS1/2 Art and Design Programme of Study'.

Art | Skills Progression

Art at Dundonald

At Dundonald, every year group will learn about a variety of artists which will underpin the style of art the children will study. After learning about a particular artist, children will invest time in developing their arts skills in that area, with a clear progression of skills seen in their sketchbooks. At the end of the unit, children will plan and create a final piece of art in the style of or inspired by the artist and reflect on the skills they have developed throughout the unit.

RECORDING ART

Art learning is recorded in sketchbooks across the school and should typically evidence all four stages (Generating Ideas, Making, Knowledge and Evaluation). We encourage children to treat their sketchbooks like journals and their thoughts and learning are recorded in a format that they would like to use, for example, using thought bubbles. Each child is unique and each sketchbook should be unique, enabling children to develop their independence and creativity.

ART ASSESSMENT 

Teachers assess children’s knowledge, understanding and skills in Art by making observations of the children working during lessons. Feedback given to children by their teachers is in the form of verbal feedback so that their art is not marked in the process. Children are also encouraged to be critical of their own work, highlighting their own next steps. Each half term, foundation subject assessment grids are completed by class teachers, showing children’s attainment. After the assessment grids have been updated, the foundation subject leaders, including Art, analyses the data and uses this to inform and improve future practice. 

INCLUSION

Lessons and activities are planned to include all children by using a range of approaches. This includes: questioning, use of equipment, and mixed ability grouping to enable children to offer peer support. Lessons are planned to facilitate the best possible outcome for all children within the class.

Art Competitions

At Dundonald, pupils are encouraged to take part in various art competitions. These involve creating their own designs e.g. PTA calendar, Eco project models, Royal Mail stamps etc.

It is a lovely way to celebrate the range of talent at our school.