Curriculum
Art and design
Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact
Intent
“Art is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality” – Quentin Blake
At HLC, we believe that Art and Design plays a vital role in stimulating children’s creativity, sparking their imagination, and providing a meaningful way for them to express themselves. We view art as a powerful form of self-expression, where each child can explore and showcase their individuality, culture, and identity with confidence.
The National Curriculum for Art and Design aims to ensure all pupils:
- Create imaginative work by exploring ideas and documenting their experiences.
- Develop proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms.
- Critically evaluate and analyse artwork using the language of art and design.
- Learn about influential artists, craft makers, and designers, and understand the historical and cultural context of their work.
Implementation
Each student and staff member at HLC has a sketchbook to practice, develop and refine their skills, which they carry with them throughout their school journey. We support students in developing their understanding of colour, texture, form, pattern, and materials, encouraging them to experiment and apply these elements to their own artistic creations.
Our carefully designed Art and Design curriculum ensures that all students are inspired and engaged, with opportunities to express their creativity through Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture.
Throughout the year, students participate in a range of activities which celebrate their individuality, diversity and creativity which is reflected in the artist studies within our sequences of learning and the artists studies The “Artist of the Half Term” initiative introduces students to influential artists from around the world, past and present, broadening their appreciation for different cultures and artistic techniques allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the role of art in shaping history and enriching cultural heritage.
At the end of each half term, final pieces of artwork are proudly framed and displayed throughout the school, including on our interactive whiteboards, so the whole school community can enjoy them. Additionally, students’ work is showcased in class galleries to inspire pride and foster a sense of achievement.
In addition to this, children are given the opportunities to rehearse their artistic skills through cross curricular activities linked to their learning topics, one of our most successful being year group representations of Flanders Field when exploring Remembrance Day across the school.
We strive to make art a rich, dynamic experience for every student by providing varied opportunities for learning, including outdoor activities and real-life encounters. These experiences enable students to understand the role of art both inside and outside the classroom. We also invite local artists to work with students and organise educational visits to art galleries and sculpture parks. Year 5 students, for example, look forward to their annual trip to the British Ironworks Centre, where they explore the craftsmanship behind sculptures.
Impact
Our Art and Design Curriculum is designed to promote the progression of both knowledge and skills, with a clear focus on the development of specific vocabulary throughout each unit of work. We assess the impact of our curriculum using the following methods:
- Summative assessment through pupil discussions that evaluate their understanding and learning progress.
- Pupil voice
- Termly book reviews, during which student work is carefully analysed, providing an opportunity for teachers and subject leaders to engage in meaningful discussions to assess student progress and identify individual needs.
- Staff voice to determine any barriers to delivering the art curriculum.
By the time children leave our school they will:
- Think critically and creatively, exploring different approaches to express ideas through various media and techniques.
- Have a strong sense of self-expression, with the confidence to communicate personal ideas, emotions, and identity through art.
- Have an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, perspectives, and artistic traditions from around the world.
- Have mastered a of a wide range of artistic techniques and mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media.
- Have the ability to reflect on their own work and the work of others, offering constructive feedback and evaluating progress and improvement.
- Have an enhanced ability to interpret and analyse visual art, understanding the symbolism, context, and impact behind artistic works.
- Use art as a tool for exploring and communicating their own identity, experiences, and worldview with authenticity.
