Art and Design
Art at Holy Family
The National Curriculum states that ‘Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of creativity.’
At Holy Family we believe we have planned an exciting, diverse and aspirational Art curriculum where our children can begin their own unique journeys of exploration, creativity, risk-taking and curiosity in order to become skilled and original artists.
Throughout their time with us, our children will gain experience in a broad range of skills and techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, crafts and ICT. They will learn some of these skills through inspiration from a diverse range of great artists, designers and architects and, as our children grow, they will be able to use their skills and experiences to express and better understand themselves and the world around them through their artwork. Through this development of creativity, we help our children feel empowered to help shape community and society for the better.
We celebrate the fact that Art has no right or wrong answer as it is a unique subject that should be as open as possible and kept inclusive and accessible to every child.
Art in the EYFS
Art and design is an integral part of the Early Years ethos at Holy family and through creating a carefully planned and enabling environment, following children's interests and planning engaging activities, we hope to develop critical thinking, creative individuals and a love of art and design. Children are introduced to art through the Specific Area, Expressive Arts and Design, where they will be encouraged to use their imagination, explore their ideas and experiment with different materials. Children are provided with a variety of materials and resources to stimulate their curiosity and develop creatively. Children will explore and research ideas, imitate, experiment and develop their own ideas and creations. Staff will introduce new concepts, skills and vocabulary to help children to talk about their creations and think of ways to improve them.
Art in Key Stage 1
In Years 1 and 2, our children will develop their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, crafts, collage, textiles and ICT to produce their own creative work. They will be inspired by a variety of artists and begin to talk about and evaluate their own work and the work of others. Our younger children are taught to explore and experiment with art, allowing them to experience different techniques, styles and forms of art work and they will begin to develop their own style. They will work both indoors and outdoors and on their own and in groups to produce creative products and explore colour, texture, line, form and space.
From Year 1, our children will begin working on their sketchbooks in which they will develop their creativity and share their ideas. These sketchbooks will stay with them all the way through to Year 6 to show their unique journey of Art throughout their time at school!
Look out for the beautiful cards and decorations our children design and make at Christmas and Easter time too!
Art in Key Stage 2
Throughout years 3 - 6 our children will refine the skills learnt in Key Stage One. They will use their sketchbooks to practise and experiment with their ideas and they will develop mastery within the different forms of art. They will use materials and media such as paint, pencils, clay, charcoal and pastels with more confidence and skill and to develop their own work. The children will continue to learn from and study a wide range of artists, designers and architects and they will also begin to make links between Art, history and culture.
To see the full Art and Design National Curriculum click here.
Our Art and Design Long Term Plan is outlined below. Please take a look to see what your child will learn each year at Holy Family.