Implementation

How each unit works

Each unit plans to meet the criteria of the National Curriculum, extending children’s art historical knowledge and developing their artistic skills. As children move through year groups, they will build upon taught skills, working with increasing accuracy, independence and creativity. Artistic skills and techniques are revisited and built upon on rotation as the children move through the different key stages.

Each unit of learning is planned around one or two of the visual elements of art, which are then linked to a particular artistic movement, artist or skill, or a combination of all. Children’s understanding of the core skills highlighted within each unit will grow over a sequence of lessons, through various practical tasks. The planned sessions build towards one or more main artistic outcomes, with value also being given to preliminary sketches and exploratory pieces of work. Discussion and visual analysis of art works is encouraged in every art lesson.

At the end of each unit, children will spend time evaluating their own final outcome and considering their personal learning journey. They will also be encouraged to critically evaluate the work of their peers, and engage in discussion to provide constructive and useful feedback.

Artistic knowledge:

• Significant artistic movements, style and artists/designers from around the world
• Key works of art – linked to the above
• Chronological knowledge/understanding – dates, events, comparisons
• Artistic and art historical vocabulary and terms

Artistic skills:

• Observation and visual analysis – ‘reading’ a work of art
• Drawing – grades of pencils and drawing materials, line, form, shading, tone
• Painting – different techniques and styles, colour, light
• Printing – graphics and design, colour, pattern and repetition
• Collage (mixed-media)
• Textiles
• Sculptural form - 3D modelling in clay, playdough