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Part of the Heath Family (NW)

Art

At Daresbury Primary School, we want every child to SHINE as an artist. Our Art and Design curriculum encourages children to be creative, curious and expressive, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to explore ideas, experiment with different materials and techniques and create their own works of art.

We want children to enjoy being creative while developing an understanding that becoming an artist involves exploring, practising, making choices, reflecting and refining ideas. Through Art, children are encouraged to express themselves, develop their own ideas and appreciate the creativity of others.

Our Art and Design curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children progressively build and connect their artistic knowledge, vocabulary and practical skills from Year 1 to Year 6. We use the Kapow Art and Design scheme to support the delivery of our curriculum, enabling children to revisit and develop important techniques and apply their learning with increasing confidence and independence.

Artistic Knowledge and Skills

In accordance with the National Curriculum, children develop their knowledge and skills across a range of areas, including drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.

Throughout their time at Daresbury, children are given regular opportunities to:

  • explore and experiment with a range of materials, media and techniques;

  • develop their drawing, painting and making skills;

  • use colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space purposefully;

  • observe carefully and use their observations to inform their work;

  • generate and develop their own creative ideas;

  • make choices about materials and techniques;

  • practise and refine techniques to improve their work;

  • discuss and evaluate their own work and the work of others;

  • use appropriate artistic vocabulary to explain their ideas and choices.

Children use sketchbooks to explore ideas, practise techniques, record observations and develop their thinking. As they progress through school, they are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their creative decisions and use the knowledge and skills they have developed to create individual responses.

We recognise that the creative process is as important as the finished piece. Children are encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, learn from things that do not work as expected and refine their ideas. This helps to develop resilience, independence and confidence as artists.

Artists, Artworks and Creativity

Children learn about a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers, exploring work from different times, cultures and traditions. They consider how and why artists create, the materials and techniques they use and how art can communicate ideas, experiences and emotions.

Children are encouraged to look closely at artwork, ask questions, express their own opinions and make connections between the work of other artists and their own creative choices.

Through these experiences, pupils develop an appreciation of Art as an important part of culture, history and the world around them, while recognising that there are many different ways to be creative and express ideas.

Art and Design and SHINE

Art and Design makes an important contribution to our Daresbury SHINE framework: Safe, Healthy, Independent, Nurturing and Exploring.

Safe – Children learn to use art materials, tools and equipment safely and responsibly and to care for their working environment.

Healthy – Art provides opportunities for creativity, self-expression and reflection, supporting children to explore ideas and express themselves in positive ways.

Independent – Children develop confidence in making their own creative choices, selecting materials and techniques, developing ideas and evaluating and refining their work.

Nurturing – Children learn to value their own creativity and that of others. They develop respect for different ideas, cultures, traditions and forms of artistic expression.

Exploring – Children experiment with materials, techniques, colour, texture and form, take creative risks and explore different ways of communicating their ideas.

Art and Design Beyond the Classroom

We want children to understand that Art is not simply something that happens in an Art lesson. Art and design can be found throughout our environment, communities, history and everyday lives, and children are encouraged to notice and appreciate creativity in the world around them.

Where possible, children have opportunities to experience Art and Design through workshops, visitors, collaborative projects, displays and wider creative experiences. Art also connects naturally with other areas of the curriculum, providing opportunities for children to apply their creativity and artistic knowledge in different contexts.

Children's artwork is celebrated and displayed throughout school, helping pupils to take pride in their achievements and recognise the value we place on creativity and individual expression.

Our aim is for children to leave Daresbury as confident, creative and curious artists who have developed a broad range of artistic knowledge and skills. We want them to be willing to experiment, express their own ideas, appreciate the work of others and continue to find enjoyment and meaning in Art and Design.

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