ST MARY'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Art and Design Technology Curriculum 
Our Mission Statement
Celebrating Excellence through our Faith and Learning
Intent:
At St Mary’s we believe that our children need a curriculum that allows them to become enthusiastic and engaged learners. We believe Art and D.T is a valuable area of learning which children can use to express themselves through creativity, imagination and exploration. We intend to teach this as a skills based curriculum, ensuring that a progression of skills throughout the year groups is notable, and also where possible, link their Art and D.T work with other areas of the curriculum. This gives their learning purpose and meaning.
The knowledge and skills taught in each subject are set out in The National Curriculum (Department for Education, 2014).
When designing the Art curriculum, we search for purposeful, meaningful opportunities to extend and deepen the pupil’s learning; we endeavour to make strong links with the diverse multi-cultural backgrounds of the pupils and staff and local links, heritage sites and other places of interest.
Implementation:
In EYFS, it is important that at this early stage children are given the time and freedom to make marks and develop their dexterity, before moving onto more specific drawing and painting skills. Art and DT skills are used on a regular basis. Children are encouraged to use their creativity in the classroom. They are taught to use fundamental Art and DT skills on a regular basis; children are encouraged to design, carry out and evaluate their work. This practise prepares them for Year 1 and beyond where more skills based Art and DT will be taught.
For Years 1 to 6, Art will be made up of 3 main areas; drawing, painting and printing. With regards to DT, areas of learning will include food technology, construction, mechanics and sculpture.
Across these units, children will study a range of works by famous artists to develop knowledge of styles. The children will have a sketchbook that follows them through the school to show progression and to document each child’s work and achievements. Art is displayed throughout the school and promoted at whole school events to motivate and inspire others and to celebrate the pupils’ artwork.
Impact:
Children will become creative learners who have a sound knowledge of great artists from around the world, both modern and historic. Children will be competent in planning, designing and evaluating; skills which can be used across the curriculum. Each child will have the fundamental skills to draw, paint, and print. They each will have a knowledge of the technologies which will help equip them for later life. As a result of their learning in Art and DT, children will be confident in their own creativity, will show resilience in taking risks in their learning, will trust in their ability to develop and progress in order to create a final product/outcome.
The impact will be evaluated by:
Pupil achievement and progress
We measure pupil achievement – the acquisition of knowledge and skills – and progress using a number of strategies, including:
- on-going teacher assessments, based on questioning in class, observations and pupil outcomes (which includes their work in books), supported by moderation in school,
- Scrutiny of progress in books and pupil conferencing with children.
- Learning walks.
Pupil attitudes
We measure pupil attitudes using a number of strategies, including
- feedback during learning conversations and in pupil and parent/carer surveys
- attitudes and behaviour in lessons across the curriculum
- the quality of the work they produce, including taking pride in presentation
- attendance and punctuality
Children, particularly older children, will be encouraged to reflect on and self-assess their learning against the outcome of the lesson.
Download more information:
