Art

Art and Design Curriculum Intent Statement

Introduction

At Barrowford School, we believe that art and design is a vital component of a well-rounded education, enabling our learners to develop their creativity, critical thinking, and appreciation for the world around them. Rooted in our school’s core values of respect, inclusion, and diversity, our art and design curriculum empowers our learners to express themselves, explore diverse artistic traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of art in shaping culture and society.

Key Aims

Our art and design curriculum aims to:

• Provide opportunities for learners to become competent in a range of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media
• Develop learners’ ability to produce creative, imaginative work and evaluate their own and others’ artistic achievements
• Cultivate learners’ knowledge and appreciation of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople, and designers, both historical and contemporary
• Foster learners’ ability to think critically, problem-solve, and take risks in their artistic endeavours
• Celebrate the unique artistic talents and cultural backgrounds of our diverse school community

 Content and Skills

Our art and design curriculum is carefully sequenced to build upon learners’ prior knowledge and skills. In Key Stage 1, learners will explore the fundamental elements of art, such as colour, line, shape, and texture, through a variety of hands-on experiences. They will experiment with different media and techniques, including drawing, painting, and collage, to express their ideas and observations.

As learners progress through Key Stage 2, they will deepen their understanding of artistic concepts and processes, learning to critically analyse their own work and that of others. They will be encouraged to develop their technical skills, while also exploring the work of renowned artists, designers, and craftspeople from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through this exposure, learners will gain a greater appreciation for the role of art in reflecting and shaping the human experience.

Progression

Our art and design curriculum is designed to ensure a clear progression of learning throughout the primary phase. Learners will build upon their foundational skills and knowledge, developing increasingly sophisticated techniques and critical analysis abilities. This sequential approach will enable our learners to become confident, competent, and creative artists, well-prepared to continue their artistic journey in secondary education and beyond.

Wider Impact

The art and design curriculum at Barrowford School is not only a means of developing technical proficiency, but also a powerful tool for fostering holistic student development. Through the creative process, our learners will cultivate valuable skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and self-expression, which will serve them well in all areas of their lives. Moreover, the exploration of diverse artistic traditions will deepen our learners’ understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry of our school and the wider world, aligning with our core values of respect, inclusion, and diversity.

Download Art and Design Curriculum Intent Statement (.docx)