Art

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. We use ‘Access Art’ to ensure our curriculum offers high-quality art and design, created 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.  At Ashlands we believe the journey taken to create a work of art is more important than the end product.  

As pupils progress, they are challenged to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. Our curriculum provides a wealth of opportunities to explore how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. At Ashlands, we study, and are inspired by, a range of artists, including local artists both famous and less well known. This year we aim to hold our first art exhibition so that every child has the opportunity to display their work to a large audience, and be recognised, and celebrated, as an artist.

Intent

At Ashlands, we believe Art nurtures a love of learning, life, one another, and a deeper sense of spirituality. Through creativity and exploration, children develop artistic skills, learn to experiment, express themselves, and discover artists past and present. Our curriculum fosters curiosity, self-reflection, and an appreciation of art’s role in history, culture, and society, helping children form meaningful connections with the world around them.

Implementation

We adopt a hands-on approach to Art, ensuring a progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills across all year groups. Art is taught both as a discrete subject and within cross-curricular themes, providing a well-rounded experience that deepens understanding.

At Ashlands, learning extends beyond the classroom. We offer rich opportunities for artistic exploration through outdoor learning, such as using natural materials in our forest school. Educational visits to galleries, hands-on workshops with artists, and exposure to diverse artistic styles further inspire creativity. These experiences encourage self-expression, cultural appreciation, and a sense of spirituality through artistic exploration.

Impact

Through Art, children develop resilience, self-awareness, and a lifelong love of creativity. They reflect on their own and each other’s work, continuously refining their skills and understanding. Verbal and written evaluations help them recognize their growth and artistic journey.

Assessment is holistic, with teachers making informed judgments on whether pupils have met, exceeded, or are still working towards learning goals. Progress is shared with parents and carers, ensuring a clear understanding of each child’s artistic development. By fostering creativity, self-expression, and appreciation of beauty, our Art curriculum nurtures confident, thoughtful individuals who see art as a powerful way to connect with themselves, others, and the wider world.

 

The 2014 National Curriculum for Art aims to ensure that all children:

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