Art

Art & Design is an integral part of the curriculum here at St Mary’s Bryanston Square.

The national curriculum for Art & Design aims to ensure that all pupils:

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Art and Design is a practical subject that develops creativity, imagination and self-expression. It is accessible to all abilities and crosses language barriers. At St Mary’s Bryanston Square, our art curriculum aims to provide all children with stimulating and engaging opportunities to use their imagination, explore ideas and work creatively in an enjoyable and safe environment.

It is our intent to provide all of our children with a high-quality education in Art & Design which:

• stimulates their creativity and imagination by providing visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world;
• develops an understanding of colour, form, texture, pattern
• develops their ability to use materials and processes to communicate ideas feelings and meanings visually;
• explores ideas about meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople and designers, and help them learn about the different roles
• they learn about the functions of art, craft and design in their own lives and in different times and cultures
• enable them to make thoughtful judgments and aesthetic and practical decisions about Art and Design and the environment.
• allows for attending educational visits to museums, galleries and other places where art is on display (parks, shops etc) or to attend workshops in school which will give them insight into how the skills learnt in art can be implemented in real life.

Through skilful observations and direct experiences, children will be encouraged to develop their natural curiosity and awareness of the world. They will develop their understanding of the visual elements of art and their own making skills by using a variety of techniques and media. Our curriculum ensures the progression of skills in techniques of drawing, painting, printing, sculpting and collage.

The art curriculum provides a platform for children to express their individuality and develop their self-esteem, resilience, confidence and critical thinking. These are skills which we believe are transferable across the primary curriculum and we would hope to support children in embedding these in all aspects of their learning; whilst developing their self-confidence in becoming artists.

The aims of the National Curriculum for Art & Design, are used as the basis for our work in this subject area.

Take a look at some of our art work:

How can parents help?

Art is an enjoyable activity which is easy to do at home. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

• Save some of your recycling. Create a ‘bits and pieces’ box out of old pieces of paper, card, sweet wrappers, bottles – anything which could make fun and exciting art!
• Have art materials available. Keep art materials easily accessible in the home so that children can practice their artistic skills.
• Be observant. When out and about, encourage children to notice buildings and landscapes around them.
• Look at the links below if you or your children would like to find out more…

Links: