Art
Art & Design Curriculum Statement
At Nicol Mere, we aim to engage, inspire, and challenge our children through a rich and vibrant Art & Design curriculum. We equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent, and create their own artistic work, while encouraging them to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of art and design as they progress through school. From Early Years to Year 6, children are encouraged to explore their creativity, learn about a wide range of artists, and appreciate the cultural diversity and significance of visual arts.
Intent
Our intent is to:
- Set high expectations in Art across the school
- Deliver a progressive, skills- and vocabulary-based curriculum
- Introduce children to a variety of artists, cultures, and creative styles
- Develop a rigorous appreciation of art and design
- Encourage high-quality work in sketchbooks across all year groups
- Offer exciting and inspiring opportunities beyond the classroom
- Promote school values, closely aligned with British Values
- Prepare children for their next steps in education
Implementation
Art and Design skills are introduced in the Early Years Foundation Stage and developed throughout Key Stage One and Two. This allows children to build confidence and develop a growing bank of knowledge and techniques.
In Key Stage One, pupils begin recording their artistic journeys in sketchbooks, learning to observe, draw, and use a range of materials. They are also introduced to famous artists and are taught to use artistic vocabulary to discuss their work.
In Key Stage Two, pupils build upon their previous learning, using sketchbooks to refine ideas and revisit skills. By upper Key Stage Two, children begin to develop their own unique artistic style, reflecting on the techniques they’ve explored. Educational visits to galleries and museums further enrich their understanding and appreciation of different art forms.
We follow a four-stage approach to teaching Art and Design:
1. Exploring and Developing
Children begin by exploring a topic, using sketching to record initial ideas and investigating the work of different artists and designers.
2. Skills Development
Pupils refine their ideas and are taught specific skills and techniques, with the opportunity to experiment with various materials and processes.
3. Application
Children apply their newly learned skills to design and produce a final piece of artwork, showcasing their progress.
4. Evaluating Work
Throughout and after their work, children reflect on their own and others’ pieces, considering improvements and celebrating achievements.
Impact
We recognise that each child is unique, and our curriculum supports all learners in reaching their creative potential. The impact of our Art & Design curriculum is evident in the confidence, enthusiasm, and quality of the artwork our children produce. By the time they leave Nicol Mere, our pupils are not only competent artists but also reflective, imaginative, and culturally aware individuals with a lifelong appreciation of the arts.