Implementation

Children will learn a range of skills and techniques, using a range of mediums, more than once throughout their primary career. Each time they revisit a skill or technique, the study will be at a greater depth, allowing them to further develop previous knowledge and skills. Children will learn from artists who live/lived locally as well as those who live/lived internationally.

Skills and techniques

During their 6 years in primary school, children will learn and practise a range of artistic techniques: drawing; painting and mixed media; sculpture and 3D; and craft and design.

These techniques are repeated over the years so that the children can build upon and refine their skills in each area. Throughout all projects, drawing and sketching will be a common thread and will be continuously developed.

Pupils will explore; line, tone, shape and shade, colour, form, pattern and texture throughout their school career and will be exposed to rich and progressive vocabulary to help develop their ability to evaluate their own and others pieces. 

Strands                                                                                                                    

Our scheme of work is designed with four core strands that run throughout. The strands are drawing, painting and mixed media, sculpture and 3D and craft and design.

Mediums

In art lessons, children will use a range of mediums (materials and resources) to create their art: Pencils – drawing and coloured ; Felt pens; Charcoal and pastels; Clay; Paint; Screen printing ink; 3D computer aided design; photography; utilise readily available natural resources.

The Early Year Foundation Stage children have daily access to a continuous art provision (with ever changing themes) where they can explore a variety of materials and techniques and develop their curiosity, awe and wonder. This is enhanced by outdoor learning where children can further develop and explore their artistic creativity and through adult intervention. Children also have the opportunity to practise both gross and fine motor skills.

Impact

The successful approach at Ridgeway results in a fun, engaging and high–quality art education that provides children with the foundations and knowledge to become creative and inspired artists.  Our learners will not only acquire the appropriate age-related knowledge but also skills which will equip them to progress into further education and their everyday lives with rich artistic vocabulary.

They will become confident artists, who can use a range of materials, skills and techniques, understand how to manipulate materials and apply these to their own works of art. They will have a sound knowledge about real artists, near and far, past and present and understand what inspired them to create and then in turn be inspired themselves.