Art and Design
Art and Design at Manuden
At Manuden Primary School, we want children to develop creativity, confidence and the technical skills needed to express ideas visually.
Our Art and Design curriculum gives pupils opportunities to explore a wide range of materials, techniques, artists and designers. We want children to experiment, make thoughtful choices, develop their own ideas and evaluate their work with increasing independence.
We aim to help pupils see art as a way of communicating, interpreting the world and expressing imagination and identity.
How We Teach Art and Design
Art and Design is taught through carefully sequenced units that develop knowledge, techniques and creativity over time.
Teaching includes opportunities to:
- draw from observation and imagination;
- explore colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space;
- paint using a range of techniques;
- work with collage and mixed media;
- develop printing techniques;
- explore sculpture and three-dimensional work;
- use sketchbooks to record, develop and refine ideas;
- study the work of artists, craft makers and designers; and
- evaluate and improve finished work.
Teachers model techniques explicitly while allowing pupils increasing freedom to experiment and make their own creative choices.
Drawing
Drawing is a fundamental part of our Art and Design curriculum.
Children develop increasing control and confidence in using different drawing materials and techniques.
As pupils progress through the school, they learn to consider:
- line;
- shape;
- tone;
- texture;
- proportion;
- perspective; and
- composition.
Drawing is used both as a finished art form and as a way to explore, record and develop ideas.
Painting and Colour
Children explore colour through a range of painting experiences.
They learn to:
- mix colours;
- select colours purposefully;
- use different brushes and tools;
- experiment with texture and application;
- explore tone and shade; and
- make increasingly deliberate choices about colour and effect.
Pupils develop both technical control and confidence in using paint creatively.
Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Work
Pupils have opportunities to create three-dimensional work using a range of materials.
This may include:
- clay;
- card;
- paper;
- natural materials;
- textiles; and
- recycled materials.
Children learn to shape, join, construct and manipulate materials while considering form, structure and texture.
Sketchbooks
Sketchbooks are used to help pupils develop ideas and record their artistic thinking.
Children use sketchbooks to:
- experiment with techniques;
- practise skills;
- record observations;
- collect ideas and inspiration;
- study artists and artworks;
- plan compositions; and
- reflect on and improve their work.
As pupils progress through the school, they are encouraged to use sketchbooks with increasing independence.
Artists, Craft Makers and Designers
Children study a diverse range of artists, craft makers and designers from different periods, cultures and traditions.
They learn to:
- observe artwork closely;
- discuss techniques and materials;
- identify similarities and differences;
- consider the ideas and context behind artwork;
- express and justify opinions; and
- use artists’ work as inspiration for their own ideas.
We aim to introduce pupils to a broad range of artistic traditions and perspectives.
Art and Design in Our Mixed-Age Classes
Our mixed-age Art and Design curriculum is carefully planned to ensure appropriate coverage and progression over time.
Where Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 are taught together, learning is sequenced so that pupils build on previous experience without unnecessary repetition.
Teachers adapt techniques, expectations and levels of independence according to pupils’ age, prior experience and individual needs.
Art and Design in Reception
Art and Design forms an important part of Expressive Arts and Design within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Children have regular opportunities to explore materials, colour, texture, pattern and form through both adult-led activities and continuous provision.
These experiences help children develop creativity, fine motor control and confidence in expressing ideas.
Supporting All Learners
We want every pupil to participate successfully in Art and Design.
Teachers adapt teaching and resources where necessary through approaches such as:
- additional modelling;
- visual examples;
- adapted tools or materials;
- breaking techniques into smaller steps;
- opportunities for repeated practice;
- alternative ways of recording ideas; and
- targeted adult support where appropriate.
Adaptations are designed to remove barriers while maintaining opportunities for creativity and challenge.
Assessment
Teachers assess Art and Design through observation, discussion, sketchbooks and pupils’ finished work.
Assessment considers pupils’ development in areas such as:
- technical skill;
- use of materials;
- creativity and experimentation;
- development of ideas;
- knowledge of artists and designers;
- ability to evaluate work; and
- increasing independence.
Teachers use assessment to identify next steps and support progression over time.
Art Beyond the Classroom
Where appropriate, pupils’ artistic experiences are enriched through displays, exhibitions, local projects, visiting artists and links with other areas of the curriculum.
We value opportunities for children to see their work celebrated and to recognise the role that art plays within school and the wider community.
Key Art and Design Information
- Art and Design Curriculum Overview
- Art and Design Progression
- Art and Design Policy
Find Out More
If you would like further information about Art and Design at Manuden Primary School, please contact the school office.
Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370