Art and Design Vision

At Alexandra Infants’ School we ensure that all children are provided with the tools to meet age related expectations. We aim to excite, inspire and engage young children in positive and inclusive learning opportunities. Our art curriculum has been designed with this in mind and provides all pupils with opportunities to develop their procedural knowledge in the skills of drawing, painting, using textiles, pattern, sculpture and printing. Disciplinary knowledge is also interwoven through the curriculum design with focuses on line, shape, colour, texture, pattern, space and form. Speaking and listening underpin the practical nature of the lessons delivered, with plentiful opportunities for language development which is crucial for our learners.

We have recently moved to the Kapow scheme of work for Art & Design. The curriculum is sequenced as a progression model, ensuring a clear path of progression in skill development across the whole school. This enables pupils to develop skills over a longer period of time, thus becoming confident, competent learners.

By its nature, art encourages cross curricular links across all subjects. With us pupils study a range of famous artists during their time in our school in order to develop appreciation of art work and the ability to express individual thoughts. This also provides our pupils the opportunity to enjoy art as a part of our culture and history.

 

Subject Leader Promise:

My name is Mrs Heath and I am the art subject leader at Alexandra Infants’ School. I believe that a creative curriculum promotes a more inclusive environment for the children here, which is the key to all learning. Art allows our pupils to express themselves, whatever their background or ability may be. As subject lead, I promise to ensure that every child has access to a rich Arts curriculum where they are able to acquire and develop skills, as well as become well rounded learners.

We now use the Kapow scheme of work for Art & Design. The scheme promotes a retrieval of knowledge and development of skills. It is my experience that the pupils in our school thoroughly enjoy the art that we offer whether this be through cross curricular activities or the specific skills that we teach in line with the National Curriculum. Floor books are used to demonstrate the skill development of our pupils as well as exhibit pieces of work. This enables me as the subject lead to monitor not only the progression of skills and knowledge but to also ensure that the pupils are engaging with the art opportunities that are offered.

We aim to inspire and challenge the pupils in their Art learning at Alexandra Infants’ school, as well as teach them how to think critically about the work of others in a supportive environment. It is my hope that the children will leave Alexandra Infants’ with of a love of the Arts, and the understanding that Art is a subject in its own right.

Link Governor – Mr A. Powell

Art Curriculum:

At Alexandra Infants’ School the Art curriculum is split into topics that ensure the skills and knowledge are developed as set out in the National Curriculum. The Alexandra Promise supports the art curriculum by providing children with activities such as:
· painting a self-portrait
· going on an Autumn walk to make a leaf rubbing
· creating a piece of Art for an exhibition
· creating a class collage.

Educational Experiences:

In order to promote a love for learning, educational visits and outside agencies are accessed to enhance the learning opportunities that we provide. Here are some of the activities we have used recently:
– Local area walks to draw local landscapes.
– Visits to local museums and galleries to enhance learning about specific artists and make a range of products such as making a plate.

As well as these specific visits, there are many enrichment activities offered within the school clubs that change termly. One of the most popular clubs for our children is Arts and Crafts, where the children help to choose the activities and have the opportunity to develop creative skills outside of formal teaching.

Curriculum Documents:

Art Curriculum Overview
Art Vertical Progression
Art Formal Elements Vertical Progression
Art Long Term Plan
Art Policy