Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

National Curriculum in England, DfE 2013

Art Curriculum Intent

Thomlinson Junior School believes that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence; supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities. Art & Design is concerned with the aesthetic and creative response to the visual and tactile qualities of the natural and man-made world.  Art education has two parts – creation and evaluation.  The creative element required children to use equipment and materials to make representations imaginatively and realistically.  It also requires them to express their feelings and ideas.  Evaluation requires them to develop skills in evaluating their own and other artists’ work and to develop an understanding of the value of art in society.

Art Curriculum Implementation 

As a school, we have chosen our own Art & Design curriculum from Year 3 to Year 6. The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering fun and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential. It covers three key areas: 2D art, 3D art and the work of other artists.  It provides immense flexibility, strong cross-curricular links and integrates with our own assessment procedures.  

Art Curriculum Impact

At Thomlinson Junior School, our Art and Design curriculum aims to encourage our pupils to:

• Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
• Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural developments in their art forms
   

Inclusion in Art

At Thomlinson Junior School, we aim to enable all children to achieve to their full potential. This includes children of all abilities, social and cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, EAL speakers and SEN statement and non-statemented.

All pupils are entitled to access the art curriculum at a level appropriate to their needs. To ensure inclusion, teachers use a range of strategies in line with the school’s Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy. Independent tasks, as well as teaching, are well-adapted to ensure full accessibility, as well as to provide appropriate challenge to different groups of learners. The school makes full use of additional adults who are deployed effectively to ensure that identified children are able to make progress in Art & Design. Through a carefully planned curriculum, one that includes opportunities for enrichment, we ensure a fully inclusive and engaging art curriculum for all pupils.