Art

Contact email: pennowetheyfs@croftymat.org

Our Art curriculum intent

‘Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.’

— Sydney Gurewitz Clemens —

Art is a vital part of children’s education and has a significant and valuable role in the taught curriculum at Pennoweth. Our curriculum develops children’s critical abilities and understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritages through studying a diverse range of artists.

Through effective teaching and considered sequences of lessons and experiences, children develop their understanding of the visual language of art. Great importance is placed on developing children’s understanding of the visual elements of art and design, including line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape and 3D form. The processes used to emulate elements of an artist’s work, or to create specific effects, are documented throughout.

Art at Pennoweth is taught in blocks across a two-year cycle in years 2-6 in order that children achieve depth in their learning. Key knowledge, skills and associated vocabulary have been identified and these have been mapped across the school to ensure progression. At the start of each unit, teachers establish the starting point for each child and ensure that all lessons taught are relevant and developmental, and consideration is given to how greater depth will be reached within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

At the beginning of every year, each class collaborates to create a piece of art work based on a famous artist and linked strongly to developing communication skills and relationships within the classroom.

Where possible and appropriate, cross curricular outcomes in Art are specifically planned for, with strong links between the subject and English and Maths lessons identified, planned for and utilised. Links are made to Cornish art and artists where relevant to support teaching and learning across the subject.

DNA

The culture of our DNA at Pennoweth also aids and supports the teaching of Art.

We firmly believe that in order to achieve our best, all children need to feel safe and this is our starting point in Art. The way that we shape our curriculum; where Art is taught in specific blocks across a two-year cycle, helps children to achieve this. They know that for a period of up to 7 weeks, they will be able to focus on developing and deepening their Art skills and knowledge. As Art is an expressive subject, it is vitally important that we as practitioners create an encouraging environment where the children feel relaxed and loved, where mistakes always present an opportunity for growth. They are supported and encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning from the very youngest in Early Years to the oldest. Through initial direct teaching, children learn how to use a variety of Art materials, then as they become independent they are able to be responsible for their own progress. Through careful topic choices and well-planned lessons, children are quickly excited and engaged in their learning which is purposeful and often collaborative. Our curriculum ensures that Pennoweth children are ready to be highly creative, inventive and proficient artists equipped to be critical thinkers, with the knowledge of great artists and their cultural origins.