Art - Teaching & Learning
Curriculum Intent
At Dundonald Primary School we believe that Art is an essential and integral part of every child's education. Art enables pupils to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world and different cultures, encouraging them to be open minded. We are committed to providing all children with opportunities to develop their personal style and individual creativity to become artists. Art lessons enable pupils to acquire a range of skills including drawing, painting, sculpture, colour, printing, collage and pattern using a variety of techniques and processes. All children explore these skills in a nurturing and supportive environment. Our Art curriculum is designed to give the children the skills and artistic experiences needed to ensure they all flourish as artists.
Curriculum Implementation
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 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.
