Our Intent for Art:

At Frodsham Manor House Primary School, we aim to provide a vibrant and enriching learning experience that fosters creativity, self-expression and an appreciation for the arts, whilst nurturing and developing critical thinking skills among our students. We believe that every child has the potential to be an artist and that art education plays a significant role in their holistic development. Art education aims to provide students with a platform for personal and emotional expression, allowing them to explore their creativity and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them eg. artists, craft makers and designers and the development of their art forms. Through art, children can learn to communicate their thoughts and emotions visually, which can be especially beneficial for those who may struggle with verbal expression. Our Art curriculum aims to develop essential skills, such as observation, analysis, experimentation, and problem-solving, as students are often tasked with finding creative solutions to artistic challenge. From Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Year 6, Art teaching aims to develop a range of skills across the school. In EYFS, children are introduced to basic artistic concepts such as colour mixing, shapes, and textures. They begin to explore different art materials and techniques, laying the foundation for future artistic endeavours. As they progress through the primary years, students refine their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms. They learn about art history and different artistic movements, gaining an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, we aim to provide opportunities for self-expression, cultural awareness and technical proficiency, fostering a lifelong passion for the arts and empowering students to become well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the world through their artistic endeavours.

Our Implementation for Art:

Our Art curriculum is carefully planned to provide a foundation of skills and knowledge that progressively builds upon previous learning. It encompasses a broad range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art. The curriculum is informed by the National Curriculum's art programmes of study and is enriched with cross-curricular links to subjects such as history, geography, and science. Our art lessons are led by skilled and passionate teachers who strive to teach a wide range of art disciplines. They provide clear and well-structured instruction, modelling techniques and processes while allowing for individual creativity and exploration. Adaptation strategies ensure that all students can access and progress within the curriculum. Our learning environment is designed to inspire creativity and provide opportunities for experimentation with a variety of materials and techniques. Working walls show a variety of visuals that support teaching and learning and display areas within the school showcase exemplary student artwork, fostering a sense of pride and celebration of artistic achievements. We celebrate the rich diversity of our school community by embedding elements of cultural awareness and inclusivity within our art curriculum. Students explore artistic styles, techniques, and traditions from a variety of cultures and time periods. They learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives while developing their own artistic voice. Children use sketchbooks throughout their time at school to record and develop their ideas. This allows them to develop skills of experimenting with different ideas and techniques and evaluating their own work, with the opportunity to revisit their ideas. They further receive on the spot and oral feedback on their work and have opportunities to assess and provide feedback on each other’s work through peer-assessment activities. We actively engage with local artists, galleries and external workshops to enhance our students' art education and provide unique opportunities for students to work alongside professionals and be inspired by their creative journeys. Throughout the year, craft clubs and art competitions will be held to encourage and showcase the talent of students in our school’s art program.  This ongoing exposure to art and its various forms will help to deepen their understanding of the subject matter and enhance their overall appreciation of the arts.

The Impact for Art:

•      Produce creative work, exploring and recording their ideas and experiences.
•     Be proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
•     Evaluate and analyse creative works using subject-specific language.
•     Enhanced cognitive development by encouraging students to think creatively and analytically. Art fosters the development of visual-spatial skills, which can have a positive impact on subjects such as math and science.
•     Broadened cultural awareness and appreciation as art through the exploration of different artistic styles, historical periods, and cultural traditions, fostering a more inclusive and diverse worldview.
•     Improved fine motor skills in activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, can have a positive impact on their overall dexterity and handwriting abilities.
•     Improved self-expression, building on children’s confidence and self-esteem, as well as improving their communication skills.
•     Increased awareness of artists studied in school, being able to draw on these experiences to influence their own ideas.
•     Developed emotional expression, providing a healthy outlet for expressing emotions, helping them develop emotional intelligence and regulation.
•     Heightening confidence and self-esteem as they take pride in their accomplishments and develop a sense of mastery over artistic skills.

*Informed by   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/research-review-series-art-and-design