Curriculum aims
Learning and undertaking activities in art and design contribute to achievement
of the curriculum aims for all young people to become:
- successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
- confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling
lives
- responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
The importance of art and design
In art, craft and design, pupils explore visual,
tactile and other sensory experiences (IE-focus statement) to communicate
ideas and meanings. They work with traditional and new media developing confidence,
competence, imagination and creativity. They learn to appreciate
and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand
the contexts in which they are made (IE 5 consider the influence of circumstances,
beliefs and feelings on decisions and events). In art and design, pupils
reflect critically on their own and other people's work, judging
quality, value and meaning (IE 4 analyse and evaluate information, judging
its relevance and value). Pupils learn to think and act as artists,
designers and craftspeople, working creatively and intelligently. They develop
an appreciation of art, craft and design, and its role in the creative and
cultural industries that enriches their lives.
Key concepts
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of art and design.
Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their
knowledge, skills and understanding.
Cultural understanding
- Through the study of a range of images and artefacts from
different contexts (IE3 explore issues, events or problems from different
perspectives), recognising the varied
characteristics of different cultures (IE5 consider the influence of circumstances,
beliefs and feelings on decisions and events) and using them to inform
creating and making.
- Recognising the role of the artist, craftsperson and designer in a range
of cultures, times and contexts.
Creativity
- Producing imaginative images, artefacts and other outcomes that are both
personal and of value.
- Exploring and experimenting with ideas, materials, tools and techniques.
- Taking risks and learning from mistakes.
Competence
- Investigating, analysing (IE 1 and 4 identify
questions to answer and problems to solve; analyse and evaluate information,
judging its relevance and value), designing
(IE 3 explore issues, events or problems from different perspectives),
making, reflecting and evaluating.
- Making informed choices (IE Focus statement
- informed and well reasoned decisions) about media, techniques and
processes.
Critical understanding
- Exploring (IE3 explore issues, events or problems
form different perspectives) visual, tactile and other sensory qualities.
- Engaging with ideas, images and artefacts,
identifying values and meanings (IE4 analyse and evaluate information, judging
its relevance and value).
- Developing own views and expressing reasoned
judgements (IE 6 support conclusions, using reasoned arguments and evidence).
- Using analytical, reflective approaches that take
account of diverse contexts (IE 3 explore issues, events or problems from
different perspectives).
Key processes
These are the essential skills and processes in art and design that pupils
need to learn to make progress.
Explore and create
Pupils should be able to:
- work from first-hand observation, experience, inspiration, imagination
and other sources
- investigate how to express and realise ideas using formal elements and
the qualities of a range of media
- make purposeful images and artefacts, selecting from a range of materials,
techniques and processes
- draw creatively to support perception, communication and invention
- explore and develop ideas(IE 3 explore issues,
events or problems from different perspectives) using sketchbooks,
journals and other appropriate strategies.
Understand and evaluate
Pupils should be able to:
- use research and investigative skills (IE 2 plan and carry out research, appreciating the consequences of decisions; IE 4 analyse and evaluate information, judging its relevance and value) appropriate
to art and design
- appreciate how codes and conventions are used to convey ideas and meanings
in and between different cultures and contexts (IE 3 explore issues, events or problems form different perspectives)
- evaluate their own and others' work
- analyse, select and question critically (IE 4 analyse and evaluate information, judging its relevance and value), making
reasoned choices in developing
personal work (IE 6 support conclusions, using reasoned arguments and evidence)
- develop ideas and intentions when creating images and artefacts
- adapt and refine images and artefacts
- organise and present their own material and information.
Range and content
This section outlines the breadth of the subject on which teachers should
draw when teaching the key concepts and key processes.
The study of art and design should include:
- work in, and across, the areas of fine art, design and crafts, including
both applied and fine art practices
- work in 2D, 3D and new technologies
- study of a range of artefacts from contemporary, historical, personal
and cultural contexts.
Curriculum opportunities
During the key stage pupils should be offered the following opportunities
that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the
concepts, processes and content of the subject.
The curriculum should provide opportunities for pupils to:
- work collaboratively, taking different roles in teams
- respond to the school's location and local cultural influences
- work with contemporary art, craft and design and creative individuals,
and in creative environments, where possible
- work with a variety of genres, including contemporary practice
- engage in interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary practice within the
arts (IE 3 explore issues, events or problems from different perspectives)
- make links between art and design and other subjects and areas of the
curriculum.