Intent, Implementation and Impact for Art and Design at Barley Close

Intent

At Barley Close Primary School, children gain understanding and confidence in Art and Design through drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. We aim to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, but also to encourage mindfulness through artistic expression and creativity. At Barley Close, children experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design using a wide range of materials, tools, equipment and digital media. They also learn about famous artists and designers throughout history, using the past to inform the future. Through these activities, children also develop vital communication and teamwork skills, working together to solve problems collaboratively with their peers.

We are committed to developing a curiosity for the Art world, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the role artistic expression can play in mental health and overall wellbeing. Art and Design are inclusive at Barley Close, with every artistic creation valued as a work of Art.

Implementation

The Art and Design curriculum ensures that children learn to research, plan, create and evaluate their own work and that of others. This can be seen through activities carried out in class, or in our dedicated Art and Design room. We plan opportunities for visitors to come into school to enrich the children’s artistic experiences through real-life opportunities, further promoting a love of learning.

Lessons are planned following the Barley Close Art Skills Progression document, to ensure children extend their knowledge and understanding each year. Every child in Key Stage 2 has their own Sketch Book, which they use to investigate, research and respond to learning stimuli across the whole curriculum.

Impact

Their learning about Art and Design through different time periods and in different parts of the world, enables children to develop an understanding of the value and importance of self-expression and creativity, but also of the importance of making mistakes without giving up. Children at Barley Close are taught that the learning process taken to create a piece of artwork is just as valuable as the end product. They learn that making mistakes is part of a vital learning process and this impacts their resilience across the whole curriculum.

Progress in Art and Design is monitored by teachers using the Art Skills Progression document for guidance. Children’s work is displayed and celebrated throughout the school as well as in books.