Art and Design Technology
What does Art and Design and Design Technology at Bledlow Ridge School look like?
Art
INTENT
At Bledlow Ridge, we value the importance of Art and Design. It is our children’s entitlement to be able to share and express their individual creativity, curiosity, resilience, and self-reflection (linking to our school values). It is our intent to provide all children with the fundamental skills, techniques and knowledge needed to independently create their own unique drawings, paintings, sculptures, and crafts, and remember how to use these skills so they can be applied again.
We want the children to have a natural sense of wonder and curiosity when studying a wide variety of artwork. We empower children to discover great artists that will enable them to explore their own and other’s cultural heritages.
We give the children the time and space to explore new themes, new sensations, and ways to be creative without the need to be perfect. At Bledlow Ridge, we believe that the process takes precedence over the product. We want our children to see the enjoyment and satisfaction in the process of producing art. It is through the children’s personalised experience of art at Bledlow Ridge, that we enable the children to feel safe, secure, and happy, to produce their most creative work.
IMPLEMENTATION
At Bledlow Ridge our Art and Design curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and this is delivered and progression is ensured by following the Bledlow Ridge Art and Design Curriculum Medium Term Plan and progression of skills map for each year group. Our children show engagement because they are challenged by our curriculum. The children will be resilient learners (one of our School Values) who overcome barriers and understand their own strengths and areas for development. They will be able to critique their own work as an artist because they know how to be successful. All children will be safe and happy in art lessons; these lessons will give them opportunities to explore and experience their own creative development and support children in fostering a love for the subject. They will be able to talk about a variety of famous diverse artists over time and develop artistic skills and confidence.
IMPACT
Our Art and Design curriculum successes will be measured by the children having a developed understanding of the names, key works, styles and techniques of major artists at an age appropriate level. A secure understanding of the key techniques and methods for each key area of the art curriculum: colour, form, line, tone, texture and shape. Pupils will show a progression of understanding, with appropriate vocabulary which supports and extends understanding. Confidence in discussing artists, art, their own work and identifying their own strengths and areas for development.
At Bledlow Ridge School we intend to build a Design Technology curriculum which is inspiring, fun and practical. We want our children to use creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
We intend for all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. It is our aim to create strong cross curricular links with other subjects, where possible, such as Mathematics, Science, Computing, and Art. We want Design and Technology to prepare our children, to give them the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences they need to be successful in later life.
IMPLEMENTATION
Our Design and Technology curriculum is implemented through:
• A well thought out, whole school Medium Term Plan and Progression Map, which allows for progression across year groups in all areas of DT (textiles, mechanisms, structures, food and electrical systems) is planned
• Well planned and resourced projects providing children with a hands-on and enriching experience
• A range of skills being taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken
• Teachers being given ownership and flexibility to plan for Design and Technology; often teaching DT as a block of lessons to allow the time needed for the children to be critical, inventive and reflective on their work.
• Each project from Year 1 to Year 6 addressing the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts.
• Pupils being introduced to specific designers, chefs, nutritionists, etc. helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw in the future.
IMPACT
Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in High School. Pupil’s skills and knowledge are assessed ongoingly by the class teacher, throughout lessons and a summative assessment is completed termly. This informs the Design and Technology coordinator of any further areas for curriculum development, pupil support and/or training requirements for staff.