Art
“Every child is an artist…” – Pablo Picasso. Here at Forest View, we believe that every child has the right to have the opportunity to explore their creativity. Children are given the tools, knowledge and skills needed to allow them to experiment and discover their own creative styles. Influences from the great artists around the world, alongside links to our topic and literacy curricula provide a rounded art experience.
What is our approach to Art?
We want to develop a mindset where children are prepared to have a go at different skills. Children have the experience of exploring and practicing different art forms with mixed media. For the most part, units link with topic and literacy learning to provide a context; skills become more sophisticated and meaningful as they move through the school. We also want children to learn more about the great artists, the classics and the contemporaries in the understanding that there are no rules when it comes to Art. As well as exploring the work of the great artists, the children have the opportunity to explore artists linked to their topic. For example, within the topic ‘The track to Tokyo’, all children explored different Japanese artists and style. We want the children to learn about local artists to inspire them and make them realise that they too can become an artist. TBATs and learning outcomes shared at the start of the lesson exemplify what children are working towards.
What does our approach to Art look like in the classroom?
Art in the classroom is considered as a journey. Although children may have specific learning outcomes to work towards, they are given artistic freedom to develop their ideas. Children are able to convey their learning over time, revisit previous learning and skills taught, use a wide selection of different media, materials and techniques and make links to related topics. Art isn’t found only within the classroom. Children utilise the outdoors and Forest School area to explore and experiment with natural materials. Clubs and privileges linked to the school’s reward system may be available during the year to enhance artistic skills.
How do we measure success in Art?
Feedback from teachers and an opportunity to evaluate work, allows children to measure their own success in art. Children will begin to use language related to art and have an increased confidence in exploring their creativity. Artistic displays round the school showcase children’s work. Children’s art work is also shared on our online learning platform for the members of the class, including parents to see and outstanding work is shared into a fantastic work folder for SLT to see. Children have the opportunities during the year to enter competitions within the community and wider a field.