Intent At Rattlesden Primary Academy, we believe that art is an essential and valued part of the curriculum. By providing high-quality art lessons, we aim to inspire children to be open-minded, think creatively and help develop a rich visual connection to the world around us. Our Art curriculum provides children with opportunities to develop their skills using a range of media and materials including the skills of drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles, 3D work and digital art. As well as developing art techniques and skills, children are encouraged to take risks and experiment and to be reflective and evaluate their work. The skills they acquire are applied to our cross-curricular topics, allowing children to use art to reflect on and explore topics in greater depth. Children will also be introduced to a range of famous artists and artwork and develop an increasing knowledge of the styles and vocabulary used by artists as well as developing a knowledge of our own and other cultural heritages. We also hope that by connecting children to art projects and artists beyond school, they come to see art as an exciting, relevant and valued subject. Implementation The skills and knowledge that children will develop throughout each art topic are mapped across each year group and are progressive throughout the school. A systematic approach to the development of artistic skills means that children are given opportunities to express their creative imagination, as well as practise and develop mastery in the key processes of art: drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles and 3D work. Links to topics enable children to develop a richer context for other curriculum areas and children are also given the opportunity to develop a wide knowledge of individual artists, art works and art movements. The quality of children’s art experience and work is supported through the availability of a wide range of quality resources. A variety of art and craft events, projects and displays ensure that art can be experienced as an enjoyable personal and communal activity while also being given high status in the curriculum. Opportunities to work with practicing artists and taking part in public exhibitions and competitions also gives children the chance to refine their skills and see their artwork acknowledged and recognised in a real world context. Impact The structure of the art curriculum ensures that children are able to develop their knowledge and understanding of the work of artists, craftspeople and designers from a range of times and cultures and apply this knowledge to their own work. The consistent use of children’s sketchbooks means that children are able to review, modify and develop their initial ideas in order to achieve high quality outcomes. The opportunity for children to refine and develop their techniques over time is supported by effective lesson sequencing and progression between year groups. This also supports children in achieving age related expectations at the end of their cohort year. Classroom displays reflect the children’s sense of pride in their artwork and this is also demonstrated by creative outcomes across the wider curriculum. The school environment also celebrates children’s achievements in art and demonstrates the subject’s high status in the school. The Art curriculum at Rattlesden School contributes to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, confidence and self-reflection as well as giving the opportunity for personal expression.
Year 5 and 6 Visit to Blackthorpe Barn
Year 5&6 children visited the Artworks exhibition at Blackthorpe Barn yesterday. They had a wonderful morning, seeing some of their own work along side that of the professional artists who they had a chance to meet. They recorded their day in their sketchbooks.
'Artworks' exhibition
Year 5 and 6 artwork, part of 'Artworks' exhibition at Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham. The work was created on an art day in memory of local artist Alfie Carpenter who had worked with the children previously. The children worked with Sarah, an art therapist exploring the use of colour. They worked from photographs of our local area to create collage pieces.