What Art looks like at St Laurence
At St Laurence, our Art curriculum gives children opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their imagination and express their individual ideas. We use Kapow Primary to support the planning and teaching of Art. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that children build their knowledge, skills and confidence as they move through the school.
Children are encouraged to experiment with different materials, techniques and processes. They also learn about influential artists from different periods, cultures and traditions, considering how art reflects and shapes history, society and the world around us.
Our curriculum aims
Through our Art curriculum, children will:
• develop confidence in expressing their ideas creatively
• explore a wide range of materials, techniques and artistic processes
• develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, craft and mixed media
• use sketchbooks to record observations and develop ideas
• evaluate their own work and the work of others
• learn about significant artists from Britain and around the world
How we teach Art
Art may be taught through regular lessons or in focused blocks of learning, depending on the unit and the techniques being developed. Teachers model new skills and give children opportunities to practise, experiment and apply what they have learnt. Children are encouraged to make their own creative decisions and produce individual pieces of work. Sketchbooks are an important part of our Art curriculum. Children use them to:
• record observations and initial ideas
• practise new techniques
• explore colour, line, shape, pattern, texture and form
• collect visual information
• reflect on their work
• review and revisit ideas
Where appropriate, Art is linked meaningfully with other curriculum subjects. However, the artistic knowledge and skills being taught remain clear and carefully planned.
What children learn
Throughout Key Stage 2, children develop increasing control, confidence and independence across a range of artistic areas.
Drawing
• Painting and colour
• Sculpture and three-dimensional work
• Craft and mixed media
By the end of Year 6
By the end of Key Stage 2, children will be able to:
• use a range of materials and techniques with increasing control
• select appropriate tools and processes for a particular purpose
• develop and communicate their own artistic ideas
• use sketchbooks confidently to explore, practise and refine their work
• evaluate their work thoughtfully and identify possible improvements
• discuss the work of artists using appropriate vocabulary
• make connections between art, culture, history and the wider world
• approach creative challenges with confidence and perseverance
Enrichment and wider opportunities
Children are given opportunities to experience Art beyond their usual lessons. These may include whole-school projects, themed events, competitions, collaborative displays and links with other areas of the curriculum.
Children’s artwork is displayed and celebrated throughout the school, helping pupils to take pride in their achievements and appreciate the creativity of others.
Supporting all learners
Our Art curriculum is adapted so that every child can participate, make progress and experience success.
Teachers may provide visual examples, step-by-step modelling, adapted tools, pre-cut materials, additional time or carefully structured support. Children are still encouraged to make their own creative choices and produce work that reflects their ideas and individuality.
Personal and spiritual development
Art gives children opportunities to notice beauty, reflect on their experiences and express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to communicate through words.
Through studying art from different cultures and traditions, children develop respect for different perspectives and ways of seeing the world. They are encouraged to be curious, thoughtful and open-minded, while recognising the value of their own creativity and the creativity of others.