Art
At St John’s CE Primary School, our curriculum is designed to inspire lifelong learning and is anchored by our core motto: "The JOY of the Lord is Your Strength" (Jesus, Others, Yourself). We deliver an ambitious, sequentially structured, and inclusive education that celebrates the unique identity of every child. By blending a rigorous academic foundation with deep spiritual, moral, and social development, we nurture the curiosity, resilience, and confidence pupils need to flourish. Rooted in our strong Christian family ethos, our curriculum ensures that learning is accessible to all, fostering an environment where differences are celebrated and every individual is fully equipped to realise their God-given potential.
Our Intent
Our intent is that every child should have the opportunity to produce creative and imaginative work in art. Children at St. John’s are able to explore their ideas and record their experiences (beginning in EYFS learning journeys and progressing to independent sketchbook work), as well as exploring the work of others and evaluating different creative ideas. From Reception to Year 6, children are immersed in progressive units of work which build their skills and knowledge and encourage them to ‘think like an artist.’
Our Implementation
We teach the National Curriculum for art in both Key Stage 1 and 2. We have blended a variety of schemes of work, including such as Kapow and PlanBee, to help us deliver sequenced and engaging lessons that enthuse children and encourage them to become more curious about the world and the development of their artistic ability. Children progressively develop their confidence and proficiency in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, 3D, printing, collage and digital media. They will also develop their knowledge of famous artists, designers and craft makers.
Children start their journey in Reception (EYFS) where children are specifically taught a range of skills which are essential for future learning in art. This includes exploring colour, using the work of famous artists as a stimulus and exploring the effects of a range of artistic media. Throughout Key Stage 1 and 2 children explore three art units per year which help them:
· use a range of materials creatively
· use sketch books (from Year 3) to record observations and use them to review and revisit ideas
· develop and improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials [for example, pencil, charcoal, paint, clay]
· develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space
· about the work of a range of artists, craft makers, architects and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work
By the time children leave St. John’s, we want children to have explored and experimented with a range of artistic media and stimulus which hopefully inspires them to pursue further opportunities in art at high school and beyond! Believe you can and you will…
