Art
At Stephen Freeman Primary School, we believe that art is the expression of oneself and their experiences in a way that can move others from within. A life without art would be mundane, uninspired and flavourless. Through our curriculum, pupils develop their skills of drawing, painting, sculpting and collage whilst discovering how a breadth of modern day and historic artists use these techniques in their works. Our aim is to give our pupils the knowledge, understanding and skills of a variation of artistic media and styles to enable them to develop their own ideas and execute them with success.
In EYFS, we encourage lots of explorative mark making with common art materials as well as more natural materials, for examples, chalks, paintbrushes, fingers, leaves, sticks etc. There is lots of time allocated to drawing, painting, printing and collage as well as 3D clay work. Where appropriate, bright and engaging artists are used to inspire techniques and ideas.
In KS1, pupils start working in a sketchbook where art lessons can take more of a project form. This begins with an artist study and a development of skills such as use of line, tone, colour, texture etc. In Year 2, children are taught the proportions of the face and introduced to single point perspective. Pupils can then plan a response to the original work they were introduced to, in a way that incorporates their new learning. Final pieces are created outside of the sketchbook and photographed as part of the evaluative process to complete their project for the term.
In KS2, pupils continue to work on projects, recording their journey in sketchbooks. They revisit prior learning, practising and developing skills learnt in KS1 before being introduced to new ideas such as proportions of the body and two point perspective. Pupils plan their own response to the original artist, including the skills they have developed and create their chosen final piece. They are encouraged to record their evaluative thoughts and discussion in a written format in their sketchbooks, alongside a photograph of their final pieces.
Click here to see our Art Knowedge and Skills Progression document.
Ideas for supporting art and design at home:
The National Gallery has lovely ideas for art activities suitable for all ages.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/visit-as-a-family
The Tate website has videos to help model activities for children to enjoy.
Van Gogh for Children
https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/art-and-stories/children#storyzoo
Most importantly, get involved with your child’s art work, encourage them to explore new ideas and experiment with new techniques as well as practise those they enjoy already.