Art and Design
Art is an important National Curriculum foundation subject, it embodies some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art. They should also know how art both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. At St Joseph’s’ we aim to enable children to develop key skills using specific media. The importance of art is evident through our yearly Art Week, in which we plan and deliver skills focusing on a particular skill or aspect of art, throughout the school. We enable our children to be confident approaching artwork and to feel a strong sense of achievement, value the impact of art within our own lives and reach their full potential. By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
Academic Excellence
Art provides opportunities for children to apply their understanding, as taught in other subjects (please see cross curricular links) and enables children to produce work with a clear progression of skills and knowledge, whilst exercising their creativity.
Children are given time to research from quality sources (including books, video and web), develop ideas, plan, experiment, make and evaluate their work. They have autonomy to explore and showcase individual ideas and skills, to bring their art to fruition.
Diversity
Art is accessible, challenging and enjoyable to all, providing a sense of achievement and pride in works of art, regardless of ability or background (please see inclusivity and SEN). Pupils are given the opportunity to explore art from Oxford to around the world.
Action
Children create works of art that aim to involve them in historical, social, environmental and spiritual aspects of life, including links to other cultures as well as local relevance. They are given the opportunity to use Art and Design in a variety of different ways.
