At Blaydon West Primary School, we place a great emphasis on the importance of Art and Design. Art, craft and design contributes to our well- being and to our social emotional and cultural development.

Lessons are planned by teachers following the knowledge and skills progression. This ensures that we have a progressive curriculum throughout the whole school.

• Lessons are linked to history and geography where appropriate to ensure cross curricular learning.
• The key areas of digital art, sculpture, collage and textiles are revisited at least three times across Year 1-6. This ensures each of the areas are covered in depth and build upon progressively when re-visited.
• Painting and drawing will be taught discretely at least once in Key Stage 1 and at least twice in Key Stage 2. These techniques will also be taught in discrete skills sessions embedded within teaching sequences when designing and creating artwork in other areas e.g. collage.
• Teachers present key knowledge and vocabulary clearly, and effectively model and teach skills.
• Lessons are exciting and engaging. • Lessons provide appropriate challenge for all groups of children.
• Misconceptions are addressed through marking, verbal feedback, adapting planning.
• CPD is used to support teacher knowledge and pedagogy.
• Skills and knowledge will be celebrated in school through displays and art exhibitions.
• Pupils will be exposed to experts/professionals in the field of art and design. E.g. artist visits/ visits to art galleries

In our Early Years Foundation Stage, we aim to:

• Develop imagination and creativity in our pupils.-Develop the ability to use a range media and materials.

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children study the National Curriculum for Art and Design and we aim to:

• To 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 through school, they should begin 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.
• To produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
• To become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• To evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
• To know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.