Art 
'Learning through and about the arts enriches the experience of studying while at school as well as preparing students for life after school.
- Arts subjects encourage self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity.
- Creativity can also help with wellbeing and improving health and happiness – many students in the TALE study commented that arts lessons acted as an outlet for releasing the pressures of studying as well as those of everyday life.
- Studying arts subjects also help to develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the world around us.'
www.tate.org.uk
Subject Overview
Early Years
Art and Design Progression and Skills Document
Art and Design vocabulary
Our Vision of Art and Design
Intent
At Woodlands Primary School, we value Art and Design as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Art and Design provide the children with the opportunities to develop and extend skills and an opportunity to express their individual interests, thought and ideas.
Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should 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, they should be able 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. We want our pupils to be able to express themselves through art as well as be able to talk confidently about their own and others' work.
We aim to equip pupils with cultural capital, preparing children with the essential technical knowledge and skills for what comes next. The exploration of new skills and experiences helps to nurture resilience, curiosity and creativity. Through this journey, children develop new forms of cultural capital that make a difference in individual mindsets, which consequently shapes their future.
Implementation
The teaching and implementation of the Art and Design Curriculum at Woodlands Primary School are based on the National Curriculum and enhanced by our knowledge of our pupils'.
The children are taught knowledge and skills in Art that build upon previous learning and make links to other subject areas, where appropriate. The art elements form an integral part of the development of the skills needed to master the art and these have been carefully planned for using a spiral curriculum. Knowledge of art and artists is also built upon throughout the school so that by the time our pupils leave Woodlands, they have a clear understanding of different periods, movements, styles, media and artists.
We take part in the annual Borehamwood Arts Festival and showcase the children's work around the school.
Impact
We want our pupils to be able to express themselves through art as well as be able to talk confidently about their own and others' work.
Summative assessments take place throughout the year and teachers record the progress and attainment against the National Curriculum expectations of attainment. Teachers use this information to inform future lessons; ensuring children are supported and challenged appropriately. This data is analysed by the subject lead on a termly basis to inform and address any trends or gaps in attainment.
Further information is gathered through pupil questionnaires; highlighting strengths and achievement and any improvements, knowledge and skills that still need to be embedded.
Assessment are passed to the next teacher so that they are clear about any revision of work needed and can plan appropriately for all pupils within their new cohort.
Children in Foundation Stage are assessed within Expressive Arts and Design. Age related expectation levels are reported to parents at the end of the Reception year.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Expressive Arts and Design
The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.