Art and Design
“Children are naturally creative. It is our job to give them the freedom, materials and space to let their creativity blossom to its full potential” Jean Vant Hul
Why Study Art?
At The Burghfield Common Federation, we believe that Art and Design (including craft) plays a vital role in developing the whole child. It stimulates imagination and original thought, offering visual, tactile and sensory experiences that provide children with a unique way of understanding and responding to the world around them. Through colour, texture, form, pattern, and a wide range of materials and processes, pupils learn to express what they see, feel and think.
Art enables children to make informed aesthetic and practical decisions, fostering confidence in their ideas and their ability to shape the environments they live in. By exploring the work of artists, craftspeople and designers across time and cultures, children gain insight into the diverse roles and enduring impact of the visual arts. This understanding enriches their personal and public lives, helping them connect to a wider cultural heritage.
Statement of Curriculum Intent
Our Art and Design curriculum is rooted in our core values of Curiosity, Creativity, Community and Challenge. We aim to ignite curiosity in our children, empowering them to explore and question the world around them through visual language. Our curriculum is designed to nurture creativity, equipping pupils with the knowledge, techniques and confidence to produce their own expressive work. We build a sense of community by celebrating individual and collective artistic achievement, while embracing a diverse range of cultural influences. Children are encouraged to embrace challenge through critical thinking, problem-solving and ambitious creative exploration.
Pupils will investigate and evaluate a wide range of artwork from the past and present, developing a deep, rigorous understanding of the disciplines of art, craft and design and their place in both historical and contemporary life.
Curriculum Implementation
Our curriculum is structured to ensure progression and continuity of skills across all year groups, in line with National Curriculum expectations. Pupils will:
- Produce creative work by exploring ideas and recording experiences.
- Become proficient in a range of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media.
- Evaluate and analyse artistic works using appropriate vocabulary.
- Learn about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
In addition, children will:
- Be inspired, challenged and engaged, recognising the role art plays in their personal development and potential future careers.
- Strive to improve their work and take pride in their achievements, which are celebrated in high-quality displays.
- Build confidence in their artistic voice, experimenting and taking risks in their creative journey.
- Develop critical thinking and interpretive skills when discussing their own and others' work.
- Work collaboratively, demonstrating respect and valuing differing viewpoints as part of a creative community.
- Apply creative thinking to solve problems and generate innovative ideas.
- Experience joy and a sense of accomplishment in seeing their own work exhibited within the school and beyond.
Curriculum Impact
Art is a subject where pupils can express themselves and see how different cultures and periods of history have affected artistic styles and methods and children are encouraged to talk about what they see and feel when studying this subject.
In Nursery and Reception, Expressive Arts and Design is a core strand of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Through imaginative play, art, music, dance, roleplay and drama, children begin their creative journey in a rich and stimulating environment. This supports their development across all learning areas, fostering curiosity, building community, and laying the foundation for creativity and challenge as they grow.
Children experience a broad range of media and tools, developing sensory awareness and foundational skills that encourage them to express ideas confidently and joyfully. Progress in this area is tracked termly, ensuring every child is supported and celebrated as they begin their artistic learning journey.