Art

'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'

Romans 2:12

 Mission Statement

Our mission is to work to develop the full potential of each individual in an environment where the Gospel values of love, peace, truth and justice are lived out.

The Aims of Art and Design at St Mary’s are:

At St Mary’s we want every child to be happy and enthusiastic artists. We want the children to be eager to achieve their very best in order to fulfil their God-given talents. We want children’s skills and confidence to progress as they make their journey through the school. We firmly believe that the recipe for success is high quality teaching in Art, which is central to the life of our creative, caring school.

For each topic in art, not only will the children focus on learning and developing their techniques, but also broadening the knowledge and particular skills linked to individual artists.  Through this approach, the children will learn how to practically apply an artist’s techniques to their own work, as well as understanding why the chosen artists created art.  Through a wide breadth of artists and art movements the children will improve their practical, theoretical and disciplinary knowledge.

Intent

Our principal aim is that children leave St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School with a wide range of skills in Art. These skills will be formed through interesting and exciting experiences that enhance a child’s awareness of their own abilities and strengths as a learner. We want to ensure that children see learning in Art as an on-going process not a one-off event. Children will develop a deep understanding of the Art they are studying. They will increasingly use their prior knowledge to build on what they have learnt and they will begin to develop their own style. We want children to recognise the progress they have made and the skills they have gained throughout their time at St Mary’s.

 Implementation
All children study Art for 3 half terms per year (alternated with D&T). This is a non-negotiable.  Success criteria in all Art lessons are set in order to guide children to achieve their potential. This ensures work is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum. Children learn about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between practices and disciplines, and making links to their own art work.

Impact

Through Art, children deepen their appreciation of their faith and fulfil their God-given talents. At St Mary’s, children develop a wide range of art techniques using colour, pattern, texture, line shape, form and space, experimenting with and refining their use of different materials. Children become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques, producing creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences. Children can evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design. They develop higher level thinking skills and skills for the workplace such as sustained focus, problem-solving, creativity and resilience.

Cultural Capital

Knowing about important artists, such as Van Gogh and Monet, will help children gain cultural capital. They will also learn about styles and techniques involved in Art, and be able to use these techniques effectively. Children study famous pieces of Art from different cultures around the world.

British Values

Fundamental British Values are evident in Art and children understand how Art can celebrate difference. Children learn respect for other cultures as they study a variety of topics such as Indian and African art. They learn that there are a variety of cultures represented in British art because of Britain’s multiculturalism. As art is such a personal subject, children will be able to use their individual liberty to explore their own styles and preferences.