Our Art and Design Coordinators are Miss E. Galloway and Ms R. Sarkar

Why do we teach what we teach? (Our intent)

At St Marys, we aim to provide children with a wide-ranging and well-balanced curriculum, where pupils encounter many creative learning experiences. Art provides children with a chance to express themselves and develop their imagination through various mediums (for example, pencil, charcoal, paint). Through our art lessons, we seek to offer various opportunities for children to develop their creativity, imagination and expression whilst also allowing pupils to individually develop their confidence through experimentation. We aim for all pupils to leave St Mary’s with the core foundation skills, techniques and experiences of media that are needed to appreciate how art contributes to our culture and history.

How do we teach it? (Our implementation)

Art often runs in rotation with DT where these 2 subjects are taught on a weekly basis each term. Frequently, art is supported through links to topics and themes in other cross curricular subjects. There is access to a well-resourced art room where pupils can explore different styles and techniques. In order for progression, the curriculum is thoroughly planned, allowing coverage of art to be broad and develop skills and knowledge year-on-year across line (drawing & sketching), colour and tone (painting), pattern, shape and space (printing) and 3D/ sculpture (texture, form, shape and space).

What is the difference that this makes? (Our impact)

Children develop a range of skills that they can improve and build on each year. They experience the work of a wide range of artists and art movements (e.g. Surrealism, Impressionism and Pointillism) and use these to recognise imagery and visual ideas in the world around them. This is the starting point for their essential understanding and enjoyment of visual language and enjoyment into later life.

Links to websites that will support and deepen children's learning of Art: