Art and Design is taught in blocks throughout the year alternating with Design and Technology. The curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 and other experiences and opportunities which best meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school.
The teaching, learning and sequencing of the curriculum follows;
- All children follow a program of progressive skills in art and design, creative dance, music and drama. These take place in discrete art and design lessons and also as a means of communication in other wider curriculum subjects.
- Wherever possible first hand experiences and real things are used to stimulate art and design activities. Teaching is done in whole class groups followed by group and individual work. New techniques and skills are modelled and examples of work are shown to the children.
- In group and individual work, pupils have the opportunity to investigate, explore and develop ideas and techniques. They are also involved in evaluating their work, celebrating success and identifying areas for improvement.
- Art activities are differentiated to ensure that all pupils can access the tasks and have an appropriate level of challenge. Pupils with particular talents are given opportunities to extend them. Opportunities for using and extending art skills are built into lessons in other subjects.
- At St John’s we ensure that children also have access to contemporary (20th and 21st century) artists as well as more traditional ones, that are perhaps more relevant to children today.
- Cross curricular opportunities for further learning and development in the arts are built into planning of all subjects as a means of enhancing the children’s learning opportunities. These may be in the form of visiting performing arts groups, museums, galleries and other venues.
- In the EYs there is continuous provision of art and design opportunities: these activities make important contributions to children’s development in the areas of Expressive Arts and Design and Communication and Language. They are also important in children’s Personal, Social and Emotional development. Art is covered in art lessons, continuous provision and as a means of communication and learning in other curriculum areas.
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