Art
At Oakthorpe Primary School, we believe that art, craft and design is a vital part of the curriculum. Art at primary school level encourages self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity. Designed around the idea that art is far more than a series of technical skills, our Art curriculum nurtures creative thinking skills and helps ensure our pupils learn through art, as well as about art. We provide our pupils with regular opportunities to be creative in their learning throughout the curriculum, as this can help with wellbeing and improve health and happiness. Our Curriculum is about OPENING UP what art is, giving pupils lots of different kinds of opportunities and experiences (media, techniques, approaches, artists), all underpinned by creative use of drawing and sketchbooks, which we also use across the curriculum.
Our Art curriculum also helps to develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the world around us. Art lessons are important because we want our children to love art, craft and design! We want them to think big and dream big. We want their ambitions to include wanting to be illustrators, graphic designers, fashion/furniture designers, curators, architects or printmakers. Our Art curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, whilst equipping them with the knowledge and skills to be able to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. As pupils progress, they should gain a deeper understanding of how Art and Design reflects and shapes our history, and how it contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of our world. We want to equip our children with not only the minimum statutory requirements of the Art and Design National Curriculum but to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. We want our children to use our surroundings as inspiration, to learn from other cultures and to respect diversity.
Coordinated whole-school project work ensures that Art is given high status at Oakthorpe. This includes the school’s participation in the annual ‘ART WEEK’ which enables further focus on children’s artistic skills and knowledge in collaboration with visiting artists. Our emphasis is on teaching and learning which empowers pupils (and teachers!) to become confident creative decision makers.
