The purpose for teaching Art
At Eastfield Primary School, we recognise that Art stimulates creativity and imagination. Art provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a special way of understanding and responding to the world. It enables all children to communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes.
Through learning about the roles and functions of Art, children explore the impact it has had on contemporary life and that of different times and cultures. The appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts enriches our world.
The teaching and learning of Art
Our children’s learning journey starts in Pre-school and Reception, where Art forms part of the children’s learning and development in Expressive Arts and Design and Physical Development. Our children’s artwork is showcased in the environment and shared on Tapestry with our families.
Sketch books create a journey of the children’s learning from years One to Six. Each unit of Art follows this sequence:
- Study
Each Art unit begins with an artist study. Our children learn key knowledge about a range of traditional and contemporary artists from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Practise
Our children then learn to practise the skills and technique of their focus artist. For instance, using paint in a pop-art style, to replicate the work of Roy Lichtenstein.
- Create
Having practised working in the style of their focus artist, our children then apply the skills learnt to create their own piece of art; for instance, a rainforest landscape using oil pastels, taking inspiration from Franz Marc.
- Evaluate
At the end point of the children’s learning journey, we then reflect and learn to evaluate our artwork. The children discuss the processes of their learning journey. What challenges did they face? Which skills did enjoy applying? How would they adapt their work in future?
Our long-term Art overview:
Art Long Term Overview
The outcomes of our Art curriculum
By the time children leave Eastfield, they have a rich and varied knowledge of artists and architects, and a strong foundation of skills in painting, drawing and other media.
Our children’s artwork is showcased around school, as well as within our local community at points throughout the year.
Every child’s artwork is celebrated. Our families are invited into school to share their children’s creative journeys as well as engaging with art-based parent-child events, such as shared portrait painting and ceramics skills workshops.
Extended Learning Opportunities
Art Primary Resources | National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com)