The Intent of the Art and Design Curriculum 

At Ovingham CE First School, we believe that high quality art lessons inspire children and boost their creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire, and challenge our pupils and equip them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. Through the study of artists from around the world, students should also know how art and design reflect and shape our history and contribute to culture.

We aim for all children to reach their artistic potential and develop characteristics that support their journey in becoming great artists.

Our artists will:

• Learn a range of skills which enable them to become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other craft designs.

• Use skills built up over time to produce their own art

• Evaluate and analyse the work of a range of artists using subject specific vocabulary

How we Implement our Curriculum 

When children enter our school in Reception, they are exposed to colour, line, shape, form and texture. Children are encouraged to explore the work of famous artists and utilise techniques in their own work. Lessons are matched to the children’s interests and whole class topics which may change year on year. Alongside discrete teaching in lessons, children also have access to a creative area in class where they can independently create their own artwork utilising the skills they have been taught.

From Year 1 to Year 4, classes follow the Unity Scheme of Work which is based on the National Curriculum. Using the broad framework outlined in the National Curriculum, each class will complete a unit of work based on an artistic discipline and then focus further on specific skills and knowledge within a unit of work. The document below outlines the disciplines and knowledge covered.

From Reception to Year 4, children use an A3 sketchbook as a space where they can practise their skills freely and create their final pieces of work. These are passed through to the next class to show progression over time.

Artwork is displayed in classrooms and corridors around school. These will demonstrate the build up of skills within a unit and be used as a space where final pieces of art can be showcased. Alongside this, we have hosted art showcases either online or in person to celebrate the artwork with parents and carers. Feedback from this was very positive and children enjoyed discussing their work at home.

The impact of our Art Curriculum 

• Throughout their time in school, children will produce a range of high quality artwork across the artistic disciplines

• Within their sketchbooks, children will demonstrate appropriate control and technique using a range of media

• Children will have a good understanding of the skills and knowledge above and be able to utilise these across the artistic disciplines.