Art & Design

Intent:
At Manorcroft, we believe that art and design gives opportunities for children to explore and see the world in new and exciting ways, ensuring they can express their individual creativity, whilst learning about and making links with a wide spectrum of different types of art in our society. The art and design curriculum develops children’s critical abilities and understanding of their own and other’s cultural heritage, through studying a diverse range of male and female artists, architects and designers through history. Our children will have an understanding of the visual elements of art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form) from an accessible and engaging curriculum, enabling children to reach their full potential.

Implementation:
To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Art and Design, we implement a progressive curriculum. We use Cornerstones as a tool to support the teaching of art and design through a project based approach. This follows the knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum 2014 and Early Years Framework 2021. The Art and Design subject leader has carefully planned the projects that will take place to ensure careful coverage and progression of skills. There is an emphasis on knowledge that ensures children understand key art vocabulary, the context of artwork, as well as the artists, architects and designers that they are learning about and being inspired by. By teaching through projects, teachers make links with other curriculum areas including humanities. As well as knowledge, we focus on the explicit teaching of skills: drawing, painting, printing, collage and sculpture. This means that children are given the opportunities to express their creative imagination, as well as practice and develop mastery in the key processes of art. We provide a variety of opportunities for Art and Design learning to take place within and beyond the classroom as part of our commitment to outdoor learning.

Impact:
At Manorcroft, Art and Design learning is loved by the staff and children. The children enjoy learning new skills and knowledge, and teachers have high expectations for outcomes. Quality evidence is presented in a variety of different ways. The school environment reflects and celebrates the children’s art work and demonstrates the high status of art within the school. Within Art and Design, we instil an appreciation and enjoyment of the arts, enriching each child’s learning experience. Teaching and learning is evaluated by learning walks, drop-ins, pupil discussions and work scrutinies.