Intent

At Ashfield Primary, we recognise that Art and Design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a special way of understanding and responding to the world. It enables children of all abilities to communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes. Being creative, can be therapeutic and promotes a sense of well being. The appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts enriches all our lives.

We encourage children to explore ideas and meanings through the work of a range of artists and designers. Through learning about the roles and function of art, they can explore the impact it has had on contemporary life and that of different times and cultures.

Explore/Imagine/Create

The Teaching and Learning of Art and Design 

Art at Ashfield is creative and focuses on developing the children’s understanding and knowledge of artists both living and non-living and specific art movements from history including the great masters. The children follow a scheme of work, written by the art leader, which encourages them to learn about the 6 key areas of art : drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, textiles and collage. They have access to a range of different art materials and tools and where possible, links are made with our locality. The children look at existing art work to create their own interpretations and style and are actively encouraged to share their favourite art form or artist through their own way of working. Where possible we make strong links to other areas of the school curriculum and their learning.

Expressive Arts in Early Years

We use watercolours in Key Stage 1 to create Kandinsky inspired abstract art. We learn about colour mixing and how to create shades and tints.

Sculpture in Key Stage 1: We learn about the Yorkshire born artist Barbara Hepworth in Year 1 and 2. We explore 3d shapes before creating our sculptures with clay.