Art is all about children developing their creativity within and exploring their ideas through a range of techniques and experiences. Here at The Divine Mercy, we provide children with a range of opportunities to experience and explore the different forms of Art.

Intent

At Divine Mercy RC Primary School, we value Art and Design as an important part of pupil’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Art and Design provides the pupil with the opportunities to develop and extend their skills, creativity, express their own ideas and work both individually and collaboratively with others.  

   Our curriculum aims:

   The National Curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:

  1. Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.

  2. Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpting and other art, craft and design techniques.

  3. Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.

  4. Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural                   development of their art forms.

Intention

  At Divine Mercy the intention is to ensure that all pupils:

  1. Receive a high-quality art and design education that engages, inspires and challenges pupils.

  2. Are equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding to experiment, invent and create their own works         of art, craft and design.

  3. Are given opportunities to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design as           they progress up the school.

  4. Know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and           wealth of our community and nation.

    The Divine Mercy is committed to ensuring pupils understand the value and importance of Art and Design in        the wider community, and that they are able to use their artistic skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve      themselves in Art and Design, in a variety of different contexts.

Implementation

 The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum at Divine Mercy is based on the National   Curriculum and supported by weaving, knowledge, skills and understanding into the curriculum, ensuring a well   structured approach to this creative subject. The skills and knowledge that pupils will develop throughout each   art topic are mapped across each year group and throughout the school to ensure progression. The emphasis on   knowledge ensures that pupils understand the context of the artwork, as well as the artists that they are   learning about and being inspired by.

 Class teachers deliver regularly taught Art & Design lessons using a range of media and both 2 and 3D   experiences which are enhanced by workshops from visiting artists from Z-arts.This ensures that our pupils are   provided with a breadth of experience alongside a clear progression of skills. A similar focus on skills means that   pupils are given opportunities to express their creative imagination, as well as practise and develop the key   processes of art: drawing, painting,printing, textiles and sculpture. 

 Teachers assess children’s understanding and skills in Art by observing them during lessons and so they can   identify next steps in pupils’ learning. Children receive feedback from peers and teachers through regular   opportunities to share and discuss their work. They are encouraged to consider their own work and to identify   their own next steps. 

Impact

 Children become confident and reflective learners as they expand their understanding of the visual elements of   art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form) and investigate colours, materials and   techniques. They are given opportunities to explore, innovate and experiment while they apply the processes   learnt. They are also encouraged to alter and improve their outcomes.

 Evidence from art books, pupil voice and displays throughout the school reflect the pupil’s sense of pride in their   artwork and demonstrates  creative outcomes across the ‘Learning Challenge Curriculum.’

The Best of Britain Art Project Day

All children from Years One to Six had the opportunity to meet an artist called Peter Swidrak, who is one of Britain's most popular and innovative artist. This involved a general introduction to the Best of Britain photographs and artwork which will was featured in an exhibition in the school hall. This was then followed by a version of an art treasure hunt quiz based around the exhibition. After a demonstration by the artist, the children had a chance to create their own piece of artwork.

See pictures from this wonderful event below...