At Hallgate Primary School we believe art makes a unique contribution in the development of a child and that all children should be encouraged to enjoy and appreciate art.  Children’s understanding of the arts is, and should be a source of inspiration, enjoyment and fulfilment.  It also enhances their personal, social and emotional development. It enables them to participate in and respond to the creative and cultural life of their communities and different cultures and traditions.

Understanding the Arts

We want our art & design curriculum to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. We want our children to know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to culture and creativity.

Our Curriculum

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

The art and design curriculum at Hallgate covers a range of artists, styles, and genres. We design lessons that build on prior learning, can be connected to a wider context, and provide opportunities to further develop skills and knowledge. We encourage our children to think critically about images by asking questions and encouraging them to talk about art and design.  We want our children to learn about and celebrate local artists. Most importantly, we make sure the subject matter is broad and includes diverse artists. Our children understand that art is made by all sorts of people, in a variety of ways, including digitally. 

Art and design teaching in the Foundation Stage is based on the early learning goals set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS).  There are two key elements to this curriculum area; ‘exploring and using media and materials’ and ‘being imaginative’. Children represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through art and design.

In Key Stage 1 and 2, children will focus and build upon their prior skills and learning through the following aspects of art and design:

• Collage
• Developing ideas
• Drawing          
• Painting
• Printing
• Sculpture
• Taking inspirations from great artists and designers
• Textiles