Art and Design

Art and Design stimulates creativity and imagination and is an important area of children’s learning. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a special way of understanding and responding to the world. It is expected that during their time at Greenbank children are given opportunities to explore and evaluate Artists and communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes.

Intent

Art, craft and design express some of the highest forms of creativity. A high-quality Art and Design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of Art and Design. They should also know how it both reflects and shapes our history, and contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Implementations

Art is a foundation subject within the National Curriculum. The aims of teaching Art at Greenbank Primary School are consistent with our School Mission Statement and take into account the requirements set by the current National Curriculum. All children are entitled access to the programmes of study at a level appropriate to the needs of the individual child and we aim to develop the whole person by giving our children opportunities to reach the full potential in Art and Design.

The national curriculum for art and design 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.

The arts enrich the quality of our experiences, providing rewarding activities that inspire, inform, stimulate, challenge and entertain. Arts activities help develop the capacity to formulate and communicate ideas and feelings; they enhance perceptual skills through responding, developing and evaluating, and physical skills through control and use of movement. Involvement in the arts helps to foster a positive attitude among pupils by developing a wide range of qualities such as cooperation, enthusiasm, passion, inspiration, tenacity and ambition. We also emphasise that this is an inclusive involvement, which helps pupils acquire an important sense of belonging as well as building the self-confidence they need to do well and make their first steps towards higher education and employment.

Impact

Art and design activities should allow children to develop their own thinking and questioning skills. This will enable them to gain knowledge and understanding of the world around them and its people, and prepare them for the future by:
● Introducing a unique visual language
● Combining ideas and thoughts with senses and emotions
● Valuing diversity and individuality
● Intellectual and physical development
● Allowing time for reflection
● Promoting innovation, risk taking and problem solving
● Developing a positive awareness of different cultures and traditions
● Children articulate their own ideas and develop the ability to make critical judgments
● Promoting playfulness and curiosity
● Sensitivity, empathy and intuitiveness
● Self-awareness and awareness of others
● Ability to collaborate with other people and take the views of other people into account
● Independence
● Tolerance for ambiguity
● Making links between unusual concepts and circumstances.
● Developing confidence
● Acquisition of new skills
● Developing the imagination
● Encourages experimental approaches
● Being excited, absorbed, and motivated

All children should have the opportunity to develop their particular skills through the curriculum and through the range of experiences and opportunities that our school offers. In partnership with our family of schools and local community groups, we create a culture of learning through the arts that is accessible to all students and to the wider community.