What is the importance of the subject? Why should pupils be studying it? Why should they care about it? How might the subject link to the real world/real life scenarios?
Art and design is important because it encompasses all the developmental domains in child development. Art lends itself to physical development and the enhancement of fine and gross motor skills. Children also learn about themselves and others through artistic activities. It helps them build self-esteem and confidence. Our art and design curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art and crafts. As they progress through the key stages they develop a higher level understanding of art and design learning how to think critically about their own work and the work of others. Students learn how art and design has shaped our history and contributed to creativity and wealth of different cultures.
Through art and design activities, students will learn to make informed judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions, and become actively involved in shaping environments. Students will explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, crafts people and designers. They will learn about the diverse roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life, and different times and cultures.
What are the key concepts or big ideas underpinning the subject?
The subject encourages resilient learning, problem solving and learning from mistakes. Photography, collecting imagery and drawing from life are used as skills to help develop ideas. Final art works are produced on different scales and students have the opportunity to work individually and in groups, showing understanding of the themes and artists techniques. Opportunity is given for students to analyse and evaluate their own and others work to strengthen their designs and skills.
In art we want our students to:
- Become proficient in drawing, painting and other techniques
- Produce creative work, explore ideas and record their experiences, acting upon feedback given by others
- Be able to analyse and evaluate works of art using subject specific language
- Learn about great artists and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of different art forms