"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
                                                                         Pablo Picasso
Art and Design at Delabole School
At Delabole School, we believe that art gives children opportunities to explore, create, communicate and express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. Through our Art and Design curriculum, pupils develop both the knowledge and practical skills needed to think and work as artists, makers and designers.
Our curriculum is built around the AccessArt Primary Art Curriculum, which provides a carefully planned progression of knowledge, skills and experiences from EYFS through to Year 6. Through a broad range of disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles and digital media, children learn how artists develop ideas, experiment with materials and refine their work over time.
Sketchbooks play an important role in our art curriculum. They provide a space for children to explore ideas, practise techniques, record observations, reflect on their learning and develop their own creative responses. We encourage pupils to see sketchbooks as working documents that celebrate experimentation, curiosity and artistic growth rather than simply producing a final outcome.
Throughout their time at Delabole, children study a diverse range of artists, designers and makers from different cultures, periods and traditions. They learn how art reflects and shapes the world around us while developing the confidence to share their own ideas, opinions and creative choices.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, artistic development is nurtured through the areas of Physical Development and Expressive Arts and Design. Children are given regular opportunities to explore materials, develop fine motor control, experiment with mark-making and express themselves creatively through play and exploration.
Above all, we want our children to develop creativity, confidence and a willingness to take risks, whilst recognising that art is a process of exploration, reflection and continual development.
Aims
Through our Art and Design curriculum, we aim for all pupils to:
- Develop a secure knowledge of artistic techniques, processes and materials.
- Build confidence in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles and other creative disciplines.
- Explore, experiment and take creative risks when developing ideas.
- Use sketchbooks effectively to record observations, investigate techniques, develop ideas and reflect on their learning.
- Develop visual literacy by discussing, evaluating and responding to works of art.
- Learn about a diverse range of artists, designers, craftspeople and creative movements.
- Understand how art reflects different cultures, communities and periods in history.
- Develop the ability to make informed artistic choices and explain their thinking using appropriate art vocabulary.
- Communicate ideas, feelings and experiences through creative expression.
- Appreciate the value of art and creativity in enriching their own lives and the wider world.
How We Teach Art and Design
Our Art and Design curriculum follows the AccessArt Primary Art Curriculum, ensuring clear progression in both knowledge and skills across all year groups. Learning is carefully sequenced so that children revisit and build upon previous experiences whilst developing increasing confidence and technical proficiency.
Lessons provide opportunities for pupils to explore materials, investigate the work of artists and experiment with different approaches before creating their own outcomes. Children are encouraged to reflect on their work, evaluate their choices and understand that creativity often involves revising, adapting and improving ideas over time.
Through this approach, we aim to develop curious, confident and capable young artists who value creativity and understand its importance within both the arts and the wider world.