At St Nicholas, we aim for every child to: -

• fully access the art curriculum, regardless of their ability, and to produce creative work, exploring their imagination, ideas and recording their experiences.
• be engaged, inspired and challenged by the art work they have observed and produced.
• have had opportunity to become proficient in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
• be able to evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art (15 elements) including, tone, pattern and colour.
• have learnt about great Artists, craft makers, architects and designers, and developed a greater understanding of the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

As a result, children will:

• increase and develop their artistic skills, knowledge and attitudes.
• enable them to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of Art and Design.
• help them to understand how Art reflects and shapes our history, and contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of the world around them. 
• develop their ability to use and select art tools and techniques, enhancing their confidence to work independently
• work collaboratively, nurturing cooperation, and good habits for learning
• enable them to apply their knowledge and understanding of Artist’s work and to create links with their own
• develop and use their skills of enquiry, analysis, evaluation and critique, and return to their own work to improve and modify, developing effective skills for learning and life.

Teaching and Learning

At St Nicholas, all staff adhere to the agreed Teaching and Learning Policy. In addition, the following is in place for Art: -

• The Art National Curriculum is planned for and covered in full within the KS1 and KS2 school curriculum. Whilst the National Curriculum forms the foundation of our curriculum, we make sure that children learn additional skills, knowledge and understanding and enhance our curriculum as and when necessary.

• The KS1 and KS2 curriculum is taught by the class teacher and the curriculum is planned by the art leader collaboratively with the year group. This is to ensure good coverage and progression. The children will study an artist, architect or crafts person each term so that they can deepen their understanding and learning. 

• Each child is given an Art book in Year 1 which stays with them until the end of year 6. It is replaced when necessary. This is an on-going record of achievement as well as a good tool for assessment. Using this book, children are encouraged to review and revisit their ideas.
• Each child has opportunity to work on both 2D and 3D projects, and experiences a breadth and variety of media and processes, including collage, mosaics, sculpture and ceramics, alongside drawing and painting
• With each medium, every child progresses in sophistication as they journey through the school, (clay; Yr. R/1 explore, Yr. 2/4 simple models, Yr. 5 clay pots, Yr. 6 clay sculpted faces)
•  Every child studies at least 3 artists, architects or crafts people, each year, in depth.
• Art is often planned to be cross-curricular, linking to subjects including; literacy, history, geography and RE. Art is often used to enhance other subjects including back drops and props for drama productions
• Whole school Art projects, promote collaborative art, increase awareness and knowledge as well as giving the children opportunity to work with Artists in residence. (Stained glass window, school mosaic panels, cobbles painted in mandala style for Peace Garden)
• The Art curriculum is multi-cultural and includes female as well as male artists
• Scaffolding is provided for those who require assistance and competitions are encouraged to inspire enthusiastic and budding artists who volunteer to take part.