Art
Art in EYFS
Art and Design is embedded within the Early Years’ Foundation Stage Curriculum through the use of the learning environment and classroom provision. The children are given a wealth of opportunities to engage in activities, both child-initiated and adult directed, which enable them to experiment with a range of media and materials to mark make, model and construct. During the children’s time in Early Years’ Foundation Stage, the essential building blocks of Art and Design capability are established these skills then build on in KS1
Intent
As a Federation, we believe that art is an important part of children’s education. It gives them the opportunity to develop a range of ways in which they can share and express their individual creativity, whilst learning about and making links with a wide spectrum of different types of art in our society. It enables them to look closely, observe and explore the world around them allowing them to develop their own sense of wonder and curiosity. It also develops their independence and self-reflection skills. These skills link closely with our school learning powers of Captain Curiosity, Resilient Ranger, Creative Crusader and Inspector Independent. These are celebrated every week with our Star of the Week assembly.
Implementation
We teach through a topic based curriculum therefore the art lessons the children take part in are within the context of the topic they are learning about in English as well as the other foundation subjects. This helps to provide context to their art lessons and ensures they are fully immersed in their learning. They are provided with opportunities to practice and develop the skills and processes of art: drawing, painting, printing, textiles and sculpture. This is supported through the studying of key artists, looking closely at different art works as well as skill lessons which will teach them the skills before moving on to using that skill within a context of the topic they are learning. In KS1 the children also have sketch books which are used once a week this helps develop their drawing skills. Lessons are taught either as a small block of lessons or standalone lessons and involve studying pieces of art, with a particular focus on the necessary skills, before completing a final piece. The children will look at each others work and give feedback on others as well as their own.
Impact
The evidence of their work is collected within the topic books and pencil drawings within their sketch book. Photographs of larger, group or 3D pieces are also kept within the topic books. The pupils have half-termly end of topic quizzes, this gives them a chance to feedback on what they enjoyed that term. In KS1 the development of their physical skills will be evaluated termly on an assessment sheet which is based on the skills progression map as well as the National Curriculum in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. In EYFS they are assessed using Development matters and The Early Learning Goals.
