Art

Intent

In Art we strive to teach through the creative process how to take risks, how to become connected with our emotions, thoughts and intentions and how to express them. We want our pupils to connect with the wider community and creative establishments to enrich teaching and learning. We endeavour to explore the world through Art. We want to teach pupils, both technical competence and manipulative skills in order realise their creative intentions so that they have an awareness of the broad cultural and social context we live in.

Implementation

Artists and crafts people are explored in school so that pupils can gain an understanding about the real lives of artists and their contemporary practice. We regularly incorporate visits to galleries and museums into our schemes of work. We teach a wide range of skills using different media E.g. drawing, painting, mixed media, printing and sculpture. (ceramics, digital media, photography) Our projects include a wide range of starting points including; imagination, personal, cultural and social both past and present, the urban environment and the natural world. We provide opportunities for personal discovery and imaginative enquiry through the inventive use of materials and learning about new techniques.

Pupils are given opportunities in their lessons to develop skills like: How to ask questions, develop arguments, make comparisons and understand difference, express their views, ideas and feelings using specialist art and design vocabulary and when studying the work of artist and designers they are taught precise technical terms for different materials, skills and processes.

Pupils in each year group are given opportunities to use appropriate and accurate use of art vocabulary through class presentations; ‘show and tell’ exercises. Within Art pupils demonstrate their understanding of citizenship concepts in the following ways: by practising the Grange values, developing an understanding and respect of other people’s cultures and beliefs through studying their art and crafts, working together safely during group projects, working collaboratively, and using equipment in a safe and responsible way. Red Kites can choose Art as an option. Pupils working towards GCSE Art will focus on the skills and objectives linked to their course specification over a two-year period.

Impact

Pupils will develop a love of Art and be able to explore their own creativity. The reflective process creates a solid personal foundation in which pupils can then feel safe to explore and make sense of the wider world. This process develops the capacity for empathy and improves evaluation and communication skills. Through these experiences our pupils experience and discuss life outside of school, improving their communication skills independence and confidence in different life contexts. Some pupils will gain external qualifications as a gateway to other creative courses.