Art
Intent
Art at Flora Gardens Primary School intends to foster creativity, curiosity and self-expression through a rich, ambitious and inspiring art education. We want our pupils to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to communicate their ideas and emotions visually, and to nurture a lifelong appreciation of art, craft and design.
It is important to us that children understand the power of art as a tool for storytelling, reflection and cultural expression, and that they develop the resilience to take creative risks. Through exploring a diverse range of artists, craft makers and designers from different cultures, times and backgrounds, pupils will build cultural capital and broaden their understanding of the world.
Our aim is to provide a high-quality art curriculum that balances the development of technical skills with opportunities for personal expression and imagination. Beyond teaching art discreetly, we provide opportunities for children to apply their artistic learning across the wider curriculum, enriching their experiences and deepening their learning.
We want children to:
- Be positive and enthusiastic towards the study of Art and Design.
- Learn initiative, problem solving and organisational skills through Design Technology.
- Develop independent working, autonomy and creativity.
- Gain cultural enrichment through Art.
- Broaden their aspirations.
- Bolster wellbeing through Art and Design.
How Parents Can Help
1. Get messy!
Try to get hold of as many different types of drawing and painting resources as you can to let your child get creative and explore creating art using different materials. Paints, chalk, crayons, pens, pencils, modelling clay and much more can be found in discount shops. Just don’t forget to put lots of newspaper down first!
2. Use household objects creatively
Alternatively, instead of buying materials, let them get creative using things around the house – for example, pasta and pulses to create pictures using glue.
3. Keep a sketch book
Encourage your child to keep a sketch book. Suggest that they take it with them when they go out so that they can look for things to sketch – a tree, a building, a scene. Alternatively, if they see something they would like to draw, take a photo on your phone and let them sketch from it when they are home.
4. Celebrate your child's art
Praise your child’s creations and encourage them not to get disheartened if they feel they have made ‘mistakes’. Explain that art is about being creative and trying out different things. There is no right or wrong way to do things. You could even ‘frame’ their work using coloured paper or card and create a little gallery on the kitchen wall or in their bedroom to display their work.
5. Discuss and enjoy art together
Find out about local art galleries or museums that you can visit with your child. Encourage them to talk about what they see and to share their opinions – about subject matter, colours, what materials the artist used, and so on.
Further Support And Useful Websites
Children’s books for budding artists and writers
Lots of ideas for books about art and creativity.