Intent

At Rectory Farm Primary School, we intend to engage, inspire and develop individual creativity through Art.  

Our curriculum intends to:

• Equip learners with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own quality artwork.
• Inspire learners to observe the world around them closely, applying their skills of observational drawing.
• Encourage learners to collate and organise their ideas in a sketchbook, in readiness to be able to present their ideas creatively and proficiently through the medium of drawing, painting and sculpture.
• Enable learners to evaluate and analyse creative works, using the technical vocabulary of art, craft and design.
• Immerse learners in the works of great artists, craft makers and designers, and teach them to understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms and how they impact on our lives today.

Art begins in the Early Years

Our Art and Design Curriculum begins in the Early Years, particularly within the area of Expressive Arts and Design.  Learners have opportunities to learn to:

• Express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas through various mediums of art.
• Safely use a range of small tools including scissors, paintbrushes and cutlery.
• Explore the textures, movement, feel and look of different media and materials.
• Experiment with colour mixing and
• Begin to develop their accuracy and care for drawing.

Implementation

Our art curriculum is made up of four strands:

• Mastery in drawing, painting and sculpture
• Experience of other additional art forms
• Illustration of work and
• Development of art appreciation

The following high dividend-concepts have been identified as part of the art and design curriculum:

• Colour
• Line
• Tone
• Texture
• Pattern
• Shape and
• Form
• Each year, there are taught units on mastering the skills of drawing, painting and sculpture, through a series of well-planned lessons, which are cumulative in skill progression. Mediums for sculpture alternate yearly between ceramics and recycled materials. Children experience and explore other media, such as: printmaking, photography and textiles through opportunities in other areas of the curriculum e.g., DT or computing.
• Learners will be taught to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design by investigating, comparing and contrasting the work of a diverse range of artists, designers, and craftspeople.

• Through our trust, our school has a unique and enduring partnership with the National Gallery. During their time in school, children will develop art appreciation by exploring prominent artworks and artists within the National Gallerys collection. Year 4 teachers benefit from training with artists and curators from the National Gallery about the history of the featured painting, artist and techniques that could be used to engage and inspire the children.

All children will have the opportunity to visit the National Gallery in Year 4 to further