At Wordsworth, we understand the important role the study of Art has in developing curiosity, creativity, and self–expression. Both during specific lessons and across the wider curriculum, children are encouraged to create a wide range of individual artworks. Year on year, our curriculum introduces every member of our school community to a wide range of art and artists, including those from different periods and cultures. This in turn creates world citizens, with a contextual understanding of how art impacts and enhances societies and our surroundings. It also gives those less confident in purely academic subjects, or with language barriers, the opportunity to express themselves fully and in a practical way.

Art plays a crucial role in forming and expressing cultural identity. It captures the essence of a community’s beliefs, traditions, and experiences, preserving then for future generations. Through visual storytelling, art conveys complex cultural narratives that might otherwise be lost.

Modules cover the core concepts of mark making, tone, texture and textiles, pattern, colour and form, giving children opportunities to develop a wide range of skills during their time here. Every year, there is a clear progression of skills, which build on prior learning – such as use of tools and techniques with increasing mastery. Each student in school keeps their own sketchbook, which records responses to art and photos of work produced.

 

Aims:

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:

1. Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences

2. Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques

3. Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design

4. Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

 

Art can impact a child's Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) development in many ways, including:

• Spiritual development - Children can experience wonder and awe at the work of great artists, and develop a spiritual encounter through their own art.
• Moral development - Children can learn to show compassion when assessing the work of others, and understand how their comments can impact another's self-belief.
• Social development - Art can encourage children to work in groups, which can help them develop cooperation and communication.
• Cultural development - Art can help children learn about different cultures and civilizations and develop a respect for different ways of life. 

Our art lessons also aim to:

• Evoking feelings and personal responses to a wide variety of stimulus
• Give children the opportunity to reflect and peer assess theirs and others learning
• Give children a deeper understanding of cultures and believes through exposure to the arts from around the world

What you will see in the classroom

In our classrooms, you will see children utilising their sketchbooks to record their personal journey through each module. Children will experiment with various techniques, evaluate the work of famous artists and make links across the curriculum with History, RE and Geography.

You will see children progressing through the core concepts and skills year on year, from learning how to use clay to make simple forms in Year 1, to using a range of tools to create a finished sculpture in Year 6. In Key Stage One, the priority is to impart fundamental knowledge and skills to the children, such as how to use certain tools and how to accurately mix colours. However, by Year 6, children will be applying those embedded skills and making personal, purposeful choices as to how they will create their final pieces.

At Wordsworth, teachers ensure that all students are provided with opportunities for discussion about Art. Children will be seen discussing a wide range of artworks they have seen. They will be able to verbalise how these have inspired their own drawings, paintings and sculptures.

It is our ambition at Wordsworth Primary School to produce artists who are risk-takers. They will evaluate their art works and develop resilience, confidence and practical ability.

In art lessons we behave in a way that positively impacts the work and productivity of others. When giving feedback, we are constructive.