Intention

The teaching of Art, Craft and Design  at Star encourages self-expression and creativity and builds confidence as well as a sense of individual identity. As a Happy School, we are also aware of the contribution creativity plays in the mental health and wellbeing of all individuals. The purpose of the Art curriculum at Star is to enable children to grow their creativity, imagination, knowledge and techniques through high quality teaching.

We ensure pupils explore their ideas, and record their experiences. Provide frequent opportunities to become proficient in drawing, painting, print and sculpture.

Pupils take inspiration from the greats. By analysing the work of famous artists, pupils are encouraged to think critically and interpret the world around them. Pupils can then take this inspiration to make decisions regarding their own desired outcome. Pupils understand the importance of art in reflecting history, culture and identity contributing to the wealth of our nation.

Implementation

The art curriculum is organised to enable pupils the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art.

• Pupils work safely within all the main Art mediums including, drawing, craft, design, painting, sculpture, printing and collage.
• Children revisit each medium, improving their mastery of techniques with clear progression from one year to the next. 
• Pupils learn about their house artists, great artists, craft makers and designers who will inspire their ideas and outcomes. (over 36 in total). Pupils explore artists of all genders, cultures, ethnicities , contemporary and historical, unique to our school community.
• Cross-curricular links with other subjects enable children to draw on knowledge from other subjects. (When looking at habitats, flora and fauna is represented through Art, and aspects of Science and Geography will overlap.)
• Children work in sketch books. They use this tool to experiment, plan, annotate and record their thinking. Final pieces are celebrated in school through displays, exhibitions, virtually and in the community.
• Artistic vocabulary is explored, built upon and then used to describe the work of great artists, articulate techniques and to reflect confidently on outcomes.

Pupils across the school work with external artists, creating large pieces of Art, enhancing the school environment.

Impact

Our pupils will benefit from all the wonderful, transferable skills that Art education can teach; challenging their creativity, problems solving, observation, self expression, perseverance, open mindedness and collaboration. All of these skills link closely to our rights (Article 31) and will contribute to preparing our pupils to be responsible members of society and the next stage in their learning.

Pupils are able to draw effectively, with confidence, and transfer this skill to other areas of the national curriculum. 

Pupils are able to talk about their preferred medium, using artistic vocabulary as well as highlight their favourite artists who have influenced them.

Enrichment

Our pupils exhibit their Art in school as well as in the community (local library and in school). Parents and the community are invited to see the exhibitions. 

Pupils visit galleries ( Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery) in central London to expand their knowledge of art forms and appreciate the curation of art in themes. Children take part in community art projects, working with other schools to create art individually and collaboratively. (Education For Change, E4C, Rosetta Arts SEN workshop) Pupils are encouraged to enter Art competitions, demonstrating their learnt skills. Children are members of art clubs, (Faith through Art) exploring mediums in more detail.

Pupils use their Art and Craft skills in other creative areas including creation of stage sets, costumes and props as well as displays in school. Pupils master their knowledge of their ‘House Artists, developing knowledge of the historical context, media and understanding of final pieces. Our wider community is encouraged to explore their creativity through learning projects. Pupils and all stakeholders at Star work with artists in school, mastering skills through projects to enhance the school environment. Pupils develop their leadership skills as Art leaders, championing the subject and holding responsibility for resources.