Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School

At Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School we aim to inspire pupils and develop their confidence in experimenting and inventing their own works of art. We follow the Kapow Primary’s Art and design scheme of work which is written by experts in their field and designed to give pupils every opportunity to develop their ability, nurture their talent and interests, express their ideas and thoughts about the world, as well as learning about the rich heritage and culture of the British Isles and beyond.

Kapow Primary’s Art and design scheme of work supports pupils in Years 1 to 6 to meet the National curriculum end of key stage attainment targets and has been written to fully cover the National Society for Education in Art and Design’s progression competencies. We teach our Early Years children through a play based curriculum in which they can explore and learn about art and design. Opportunities for developing their creativity are available through continuous and enhanced provision.

The Kapow Primary’s Art and design scheme of work is planned and sequenced to teach skills and knowledge which are built upon each year. Teachers can adapt lessons within the units to suit the needs of their cohort. Developing oracy skills is crucial and this is supported by developing pupil’s interest and appreciation of art, giving them tools to analyse and critic different art works and express their own opinions. Key vocabulary is taught across the units and revisited to ensure pupils are secure. The scheme of work provides clear structure for covering all areas of art which meets the National curriculum end of key stage attainment targets. The art curriculum map provides a clear picture of pupils prior learning in art and where they will be taking their learning next.

Our school uses the following to ensure excellent teaching and learning of Art and Design:

• In EYFS, Art and Design is developed through purposeful play based experiences. Children are provided with open-ended opportunities to extend their Expressive Arts and Design experiences through role-play and learning zone opportunities within the learning environments. Pupils have continuous access to the creation station where they can draw, paint, make pictures and models. Observations and photos of children’s experiences support learning within the EYFS Framework.
• Use of the Kapow Art scheme of work for years 1 to 6 which is designed with these strands running throughout: Making skills, Formal elements (line, shape, tone, texture, pattern, colour), Knowledge of artists and Evaluating. Through Kapow Primary’s Art and design scheme of work these strands are revisited in every unit. Art and Design is taught once a week for an hour and is taught explicitly for three out of the six terms of the year.
• Giving pupils the opportunity to learn and practise skills discretely during the Art and design skills and Formal elements of art units. The knowledge and skills from these units are then applied throughout the other units in the scheme. Key skills are revisited with increasing complexity in a spiral curriculum model. This allows pupils to revise and build on their previous learning.
• Use of the curriculum overview provided by the Kapow scheme of work ensures each year group knows which units cover each of the National curriculum attainment targets as well as each of the strands. Additionally, the progression of skills document shows the skills that are taught within each year group and how these skills develop to ensure that attainment targets are securely met by the end of each key stage. Year groups work with their key stage team to ensure coverage of the strands.
• Key artists and art movements are introduced to pupils throughout units of work to develop their knowledge and understanding.
• Cross-curricular and topic links are made when appropriate to support pupils in their understanding.
• Creativity and independent outcomes are robustly embedded into the Kapow units, supporting students in learning how to make their own creative choices and decisions, so that their art outcomes, whilst still being knowledge-rich, are unique to the pupil and personal.
• Lessons are always practical in nature and encourage experimental and exploratory learning with pupils using sketchbooks to document their ideas.
• Lessons are differentiated to support all pupils to achieve and succeed. Guidance is available through the Kapow scheme of work for every lesson to ensure that all pupils can access and enjoy lessons as well as opportunities to stretch pupils’ learning.
• Knowledge organisers for each unit support pupils in building a foundation of factual knowledge by encouraging recall of key facts and vocabulary.
• Teachers are supported with ongoing CPD when using the Kapow scheme of work. The scheme provides videos which model skills and progression taught by experts to ensure our teaching of art is of the highest quality.
• Regular events, such as Art Week will inspire, motivate and enthuse children to celebrate the arts. These events often involve families and the wider community. Pupils are given opportunities to take part in competitions and local events which celebrate using art and design. We also celebrate the area in which we live by visiting local landmarks and exhibitions.