Our intent at Southmead is to deliver the art and design National Curriculum in a rich and varied way. We teach a broad range of skills and techniques through six content areas: drawing, painting, printing, textiles, sculpture and digital media which enables a steady progression from foundation to Year 6. In this way the children become proficient in a wide range of techniques and gain knowledge about how art, craft and design are applied in the world. Children learn to evaluate their own work and appreciate the work of others which fosters a sense of equality and celebrates effort and creativity. They develop resilience and resourcefulness and skills that will support their wellbeing throughout their lives.
Children’s work is recorded in sketch books and is celebrated across the school in displays.

Art and Design is taught by a specialist in KS1 and KS2. Lessons follow the knowledge and skills content as laid out in the National Curriculum.  Targets are set for each year group and these are used for the long and medium term plans.  The plans are closely linked to the school picture curriculum map to ensure that art and design compliments learning in other subjects and that cross curricular links are made wherever possible.

Lessons are carefully structured to cover the different disciplines of drawing, painting, printing, 3D modelling, textiles and collage through the year. By Year 6 children have experienced a rich and very diverse range of techniques that build and widen skills from prior learning.

Each lesson starts with a short power point that introduces relevant artists, designers or techniques. The learning objective and appropriate UN Rights Respecting Schools article are explained. The activities are carefully broken down into manageable steps which are explained in a demonstration. The aim is to build independence, confidence and an ability to work for longer periods of time on a piece of work. Research and planning is done in sketch books.  Teaching Assistants support children by working alongside, demonstrating the techniques.  Work is shared and appreciated throughout the lesson.  Two artists of the week are chosen at the end of the lesson.  This tends to be based on effort and who has been a good role model.

The lessons are engaging and challenging and the five R’s are frequently referred to.  Resilience is always encouraged.  The aim throughout is to develop fine motor skills, visual awareness and creativity. Links to other subjects and to the wider world are made whenever possible.  

Children work in sketch books and on paper for drawing and painting.  Work is displayed around the school and the aim is to ensure that all children have their work on display at some stage in the year.