At Halam, our intention in Art and Design is to create a curriculum which is rich in opportunities to explore a range of artists and develop a range of skills essential for confidently and successfully creating pieces of Art. It is our aim for all children to feel that their work is valued, and we encourage a high level of perseverance to ensure everyone produces the best they can. Children will build up their artistic skills using a range of media and materials. They will be encouraged to reflect, evaluate, and communicate ideas about their own work and the styles and techniques used by other artists. They will be exposed to the work of famous artists past and present. We would like for children to have the confidence to take risks and become independent learners thus developing their own sense of curiosity.

At Halam, Art and Design is taught through a skills-based knowledge of Art and is frequently linked to other curriculum areas, particularly the humanities. Children are exposed to a diverse range of male and female artists and are given opportunities to express their creative imaginations as well as practise the skills needed for drawing, painting, printing, textiles, and sculpture. High quality resources are provided to support children’s confidence in the use of different media. As well as topic related experiences children are inspired by the provision of regular enrichment opportunities such as music, drama, and performance. The outside learning environment is important to our school and children are give many opportunities to be creative through the wildlife area, mud kitchen, outdoor stage, and sensory garden.

The impact is seen in displays throughout school, which reflect the children’s sense of pride in their artwork. Observing children during lessons and playtimes provides evidence of independence and creativity being explored through the outside learning environment. The confidence and enjoyment children experience when engaged in artistic activities is captured on a regular basis in Class floor books. Final end of year assessments are made and reported to parents. Foundation stage children are assessed in line with Expressive Arts and Design and Years 1 – 6 are assessed in line with the national curriculum.